Lego Rocks (And Here's The Proof)

Anyone who has known me for a while has probably heard me go on and on about the anime series Super Dimension Fortress Macross. Over here in the U.S. it aired under the title Robotech and was combined with two other series from the same studio (for continuity of animation) to meet syndication standards.

Since first becoming hooked in the early 80s, I have eagerly consumed any and all Macross information I could find. I have even seen all the associated series and movies. Some with some pretty dubious dubbing or subtitles.

Recently I came across some interesting information about the creator Shoji Kawamori. It turns out he uses Lego in his design process! In the following video you'll see what I mean. If you don't understand Japanese you might want to turn down the volume if it is too distracting. Pay particular attention at 2:20.



The mecha he created is for the Macross Frontier series which I think is the slickest and visually detailed of the Macross Universe. I particularly enjoy how he is able to take his Lego design and make it transform!

Here is another article from the Lego site about a visit to the Denmark Lego HQ.

All this Lego creativity has me feeling not too bad about borrowing a few legos from my son to crate a maquette for the bridge of a starship. Photos from that to follow.

Can't Stand Not To...

I am a big fan of Anime and the Macross series in particular. I have had the fortune of viewing all of the series and often ideas crop up that resonate with me.

In the latest series, Macross Frontier, the character Alto wonders aloud why people sing or try to fly. Another character, the superstar singer, tells him it's obvious. They can't stand not to.

For artists, this is the exact nature of what keeps us working long hours into the night chasing an elusive brush stroke or embellishment. It is built into the atomic structure of who we are. But, on a larger scale, I think it is also a human trait. There is something that keeps us looking for the next big thing whether it is the latest cell phone, a cure for a fatal disease, or the top of the world's tallest mountain. We simply can't stand not to try.

Not trying is stagnation.

Those who love artists probably understand this best of all. Our families see the pain and triumph and while they might not always understand why, they accept that it is a part of what makes artistic people who they are.

Digital Artistry

I recently watched this video about William Low. At first glance, his work appears to be done in oils or perhaps acrylic. Take a look and see how it is really done.



I enjoy the energy and the technique. It is inspiring to watch and this is the sort of thing that gets me back to the brush some days.

Creativity in motion motivates me immensely!

Is This Thing On?

Lately I have been hearing a lot about the power of patrons and support. I recently read an article that described how artists need about 1000 True Fans to support you. These are the die-hard fans who pay anything to support your work.

That led me to wonder if I had any fans. Family included (and I have a BIG family) I figure there are maybe a few dozen. so for all of you I say THANK YOU!

I don't do the work specifically to please you but I am happy you're watching when I do produce art.

Don't be a stranger. Say hi once in a while and let me know what you think.