Subject:
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Re: Legomaster - Hudson Reporter Interview - Odd Occupations
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lugnet.mediawatch, lugnet.people
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Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:03:06 GMT
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Legomaster - Hudson Reporter Interview - Odd Occupations
Original un-edited interview:
Hello, please find my responses below:
In a message dated 10/20/2008 11:44:58 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, (xxxxx@.com)
writes: Eric,
This is Ricardo Kaulessar from the Hudson Reporter. I need to interview for an
article I am doing this week for my paper. My deadline is Wednesday afternoon.
You can call me at #(xxxxxxx) or (xxxxxxx) Otherwise, if you can’t spend time
for an interview, please answer the following questions:
Hello, always good to see you each year at my shows. I would be happy to explain
more about what I do.
I create, photograph, exhibit and display “My Own” LEGO “Creations”. “MOCs” as
we “AFOLs” or Adult Fans of LEGO call them. Because each hobby or genre has to
have it’s own jargonese. I teach both professionally and privately, my team won
Second Place at the 2007 Robo Rocks robotics competition. I display as many
places as I can, so you might have even seen me or my robots around Jersey City.
I have made many creations since I was a child, even had a bit of a dark age.
Which is the time ‘afols’ refer to as being when adolescents become young adults
and moving on in to their teens, people tend to put their child hood LEGO away
because they are growing up. Naturally, however, some people stay with the hobby
and have indeed achieved some quite impressive builds. Jobs, and disposable
income have created collectors who have huge numbers of parts. These afols,
create clubs, displays and even huge Brick Conventions where LEGO fans gather to
showcase their latest and greatest creations.
I myself enjoy building robot designs. I decided when I was 18 that I could make
anything I wanted. That was 20 years ago. Wow, and I still live in Newport! So
let’s see what kind of questions you have:
1 - Describe what is it like to work with LEGO bricks from your P.O.V?
LEGO is like using geometric shapes to create what is in your mind. The parts
and shapes, present you with the ability to model out, proto type, and sculpt
anything from basic ideas or forms to simple even complex mechanisms. Using a
simple shape like the classic ubiquitous 2x4 Brick to the sophisticated RCX and
NXT MINSTORMS computer-programmable Brick is intriguing. Combine these, plates,
bricks, slopes, gears, axles, pins, bushings, even a mini fig LEGO person. That
equals cool to me. It is just fun. I must say, though, that there is an inherent
beauty in the parts themselves. Meaning, the shape of a pyramid or set of
triangles forming a complex shape can mimic nature. For such an inorganic thing,
a plastic brick, combined infinitely in geometric ways, to be able to mimic
organic designs is amazing to me.
2 - How does family and friends view your LEGO Art currently, and were there any
skeptics?
My family gets it. They know I am a bit of an engineer at heart. My brother is a
skilled auto mechanic, so I guess it runs in the family. The part most of my
family doesn’t get to see, because they have seen them at home for years, is the
art shows, tent displays and exhibits I do; seeing how astounded people are when
they encounter my creations. Except for my mother, she often helps me carry a
box, or bring wine and cheese to an art opening. She’s always telling me: “My
car is not a truck!” when I need a second vehicle to lug around tons of boxes
filled with show bots. So, in some sense my family gets it but, “maybe not so
much”.
I have had my skeptics. Still do, I think every one reaches a limit when exposed
to what I do. Or when any one person is dedicated to a pursuit. It is that
person’s strength and dedication to their Art that keeps them going. That is
where others fall off, it is not their journey. Misunderstood artist? I just
claim to enjoy building. My message has always been, see what LEGO can do!? My
nic name “Legomaster” was given to me by my friends, and by people who have
walked up to my displays throughout the years and said, wow! you ARE the LEGO
master! So it kind of stuck. I know that some people have never been exposed to
the possibility of LEGO being used to create three foot tall robots and animal
mecha. So to them, I was the “Legomaster”. Sometimes, people would call me that
or say it before we were introduced, so that’s how I was known. My name will
always be Eric Sophie and the “Legomaster” to many.
I had some online tension when I got some gripes from other LEGO fans, mostly
Teens, or tfols, if you will, about my nic name. That soon passed, then there
were some difficulties working with other Fans on a collective project called
the Mecha Hall of Fame. That spilled over to issues later on in the fan
community. When I began taking a more serious direction with my art, some of the
fans, who mostly were hobbyists, saw what I was doing as being over the top and
encompassing self importance rather than sharing and intending to inspiring
others. Besides, I think some of the people here in Jersey City know me better.
Still it is better to learn from your mistakes and take it all in stride. Follow
the rules! Don’t always make your own.
Nowadays, with all that behind me, it is odd to see that finding acceptance
among your peers is not as important as enjoying what you find interesting, for
your self first and foremost. Though I still maintain a semi active status
online. I keep my gallery of creations updated on Brickshelf.com. user:
Legomaster. I am also one of the curators for the lugnet.build.mecha newsgroup,
on www.lugnet.com the Lego User Group Network. My web site is admittedly out of
date, but it is not my primary web presence location;
www.biomechanicalbricks.com.
I read some of your bio on your website but if you can fill in some of the gaps:
3 - When did you get your first LEGO, and do you remember your reaction?
I remember playing with them as a toddler, but they were basic bricks. I lost
them all and only really remember my friends having them when I was maybe 5 or
6. When I was 8, I lived in San Francisco and my father took me to the MACYS at
Union Square. That is when I got my first LEGO set. Now known as Classic Space,
I was so excited, and rebuilt the little ship and space station a dozen times
over. Moving around later on, LEGO and my brother went to each new place. We
always had LEGO to play with.
4 - Where did you go to college?
In 1986 I got my GED when I was 16 years old from the then known Vocational
Technical School on Montegomery Blvd. When I was 18 I was a supervisor in UPS at
the Meadowlands facility in Secaucus, where I received management training.
Thanks to a job fair I attended at Bhram Hall. I later became a Technician at
T-Mobile. Everything I know I have taught myself, from computers, to Photoshop
and graphic art to cross connecting T1’s and operating a fork lift. Growing up
in Hudson County can be difficult. I have had lot’s of jobs. Some technical
others where I could find work. Thankfully, I now use my ability and love of
building, to teach High School Robotics, in addition to living as an artist and
making things with my hands.
5 - What cities have you lived in and how long have you lived in Jersey City?
I lived in Queens, I lived in the bay area of San Francisco, I lived in Miami, I
lived towns around New Jersey like, Bloomfield, Wayne, and Oakland. I have
family in Pennsylvania. I went to Puerto Rico as a child. But I always come back
to Jersey City. This is where my friends are, this is where the Art is for me,
and since my days at Ferris High School, I have pretty much been here since the
early 80’s.
6 - When did Lego become aware of your work?
The LEGO Company first contacted me in 1999. They wanted to include me in a news
article for their web site about Artists using LEGO. I was one of four people as
I recall that were featured. The LEGO company had taken notice of one of my
larger robotic creations; a 6-foot long Praying Mantis, that took 3 years to
build. They asked what I was making now, and at the time I was working on a
large robotic armature. The robot’s head featured LEGO Cam Vision Command Sensor
Cameras. This was one of the hot sets at the time, and one of my photographs had
the camera in the eye of the robot, square in the center of the photograph. They
loved it, they published it on their site and we have been friends ever since.
7 - Which of your LEGO artworks over the years are you most proud of?
Of all the creations and LEGO robots I have made over the years, although the
most technically impressive ones stand out, I really must say the one I still
like the best, and so does everyone who sees it, and I have brought it
everywhere, is ‘Mr. Krinkle’. My mecha cat. It is yellow, it is sturdy, and it
still blows me away that I made it in 3 days! It has a very cohesive and
finished look. I once measured it’s body to check the proportions. The width is
16 by 32 inches long. Something about the proportions and the scale to which the
robot is made, to me will always be one of, if not my most proudest of
creations.
Simply because it was done in an almost carefree manner. Done in 3 days, rather
than the weeks and month it usually takes to produce a robot where I have to
carefully consider every manner of it’s construction.
8 - What project are you working on currently?
I am building a larger version of a robot I have called the Grelnix. It is blue
and gray, with clear trans dark blue. It is coming along nicely and I have been
working on it for more than 6 weeks. I have completed most of the body segments.
I am currently making the ankles. Since this is a big robot, possibly pushing
past 37 inches and up. The gearing in the legs and spine must be heavy duty.
This gives me a chance to use lot’s of TECHNIC construction. I wanted to have it
done in time for the Jersey City Artist Studio Tour, but alas, all things in
good time. Look for the Bloobit mecha on Brickshelf.com.
9 - What LEGO-inspired artwork would you like to attempt?
I still want to make more robots. I have a few biguns in mind. I will be working
on a large winged elongated hexapod design using black LEGO and robotic
components. This will be a follow up to the Robo Quad, a 6 foot long robotic
panther mecha I created in 2007. I am also planning a rebuild of the famous
Jamocklaquat, a 4 foot tall fully robotic biped, see www.lego.com; “Artist
builds comprehensive robot”, in to a more utility oriented robot I can use as a
teaching tool.
10 - What other events will you be appearing at in the future?
I work with “This is it!” Productions in Hoboken. I display and provide hands on
building activities in a traveling jubilee called the Kids Kingdom. All across
New Jersey’s county parks during the summer months. There is always the Jersey
City Artist Studio Tour each year. I showed this year at the Canco Lofts. I
exhibit each year at the PNC Bank Arts Center during the Super Fantastic Kids
Day Weekend, my largest showing each year. Currently, I have my work on display
at Grove Pointe in the windows along Marin Blvd. Curated by Uta Brauser.
11 - Could you talk about your private classes you teach in robotics?
I teach both private Lego Classes and High School as a Robotics Instructor and
Coach. When I teach privately, it is usually at my apartment, or at the
customers home. The cost is $35/per hour. The general building class is for all
ages. We do free building, or focus on a particular creation. The emphasis is
always on what the student has in mind, not what “I” necessarily want to teach
them. I look for their own talent and creativity. I then help them to understand
what parts will help them build what they want to make. I also show them how to
make sound structures and we talk about engineering principles. Kids are quite
inquisitive on their own. In many ways I was just like the kids who take my
classes. We both love LEGO. I just never had my own LEGO teacher!
Teaching LEGO Robotics privately requires the right candidate. I have taught
home school kids that have serious focus. This is a very rewarding experience
for a teacher. The kids are hungry for knowledge, they just lack the experience.
It is a joy when you can really share what you know. High School Robotics is
another challenge. Working with inner city kids in Brooklyn, who have never seen
LEGO robotics in action cuts through the norm and really grabs their attention.
In 2007, I worked with the St. Nick’s Community Achievement Program in Schools;
CAPS. The school where I taught, identifies students at risk of failing or
dropping out. The CAPS program gives these young adults a chance to earn credits
towards subjects like Math by working in my Robotics Class. Teaching these
students reminds me all to much of when I was their age, and when I got my GED.
I now have the opportunity to help them by giving them something to be excited
by or to inspire them by to strive towards their own goals.
That is what I have done. I have never met a kid who didn’t pause to think about
that.
12 - What is satisfying about teaching robotics and LEGO-building?
To tell the truth, not dealing with regular co-workers and certain types of
people, and only working with people that are genuinely interested in what I am
teaching. That is satisfying. The kid who wants to make his Bat Man hideout and
or Star Wars base better, the guy who wanted to know how to improve his model
car chastise. Or the director of Storming Robots that calls me and says come
build us a robot for our School. It is satisfying to be recognized for something
that you are good at. As a “go-to” person for your specialty. When you are a
pioneer, it is not easy to find a peer to share notes with. The students and
people I work with honestly want to know more. That is a gold mine for me, but
not only in the monetary sense, but in the reward in simply doing so for the
sake of sharing knowledge.
13 - What do you like doing when you are not working with LEGO?
Not doing LEGO! What!? Do you mean like sleeping and eating? NEVER! Build till
you drop!
I like supporting my friends Art, anywhere from seeing them perform poetry,
music or attending a friends art showing. I enjoy working on Graphic Art, though
the subject matter is my LEGO designs, I have really enjoyed using photoshop and
getting better at using it to enhance my artistic presentation. Actually, when
not working on LEGO I like to joke with my friends and impersonate the life
around Jersey City. It is therapy for Hudson County life, try it.
14 - If you were LEGO product, what would you be?
Laughing
If I were a LEGO product, I would be clear 2x4 brick, so you could always see
what was in my heart. No, I would be one of those clear smoke colored wind
screen canopies that came in the Bat Man sets, I think that LEGO part is sexy!
Oooh-lala.
15 - Where can the public reach you with any questions about your work?
Thank you, for asking these questions and getting caught up on all things,
Legomaster. You can reach me via email at mylegomaster@aol.com. To see some of
my links and be my friend on MySpace.com/legomaster. For those of you interested
in seeing my models and robotic designs, definitely visit my Brickshelf.com
Gallery user: Legomaster. For attention regarding building classes and Art
commissions contact via email. Check with me about LEGO PARTIES! Nadia, my
assistant says we are booking up fast!
Yes, there are so many questions but you are a fascinating subject. Please get
back to me as soon as possible.
My pleasure, pardon the Novel/book like length of my responses, I just have had
a lot of adventures, and have been doing this for so long now. Feel free to
edit. Also a note about the proper usage of the terms. The word LEGO is always
in capitals, and never used with an “S”. LEGO is both plural and singular and
should not be spelled “Legos” to preserve brand quality. Just an FYI.
Also, I am an independent Artist, I do not work for the LEGO company. I use the
nic name Legomaster at the company’s discretion, they have an understanding with
me, and I am careful to distinguish myself as an independent artist.
Thanks! Any questions call me right away! Also, I have pictures to go with all
of the stories above, so anything you need an example photo of let me know right
away! Or visit my brickshelf.com gallery user: Legomaster (login as Legomaster
->enter - no password) and choose something to represent my Art, or do you have
a preference for an image? I could send one of my newest graphics as a link? Let
me know, I would like to have one of my art works printed with the story. Yay!
Thank you! Good luck!
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?m=Legomaster
Ricardo
Eric Sophie
Legomaster
Biomechanical Bricks
(see original post for links to the published article)
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