Mastering the Art of Bonsai

Mastering the Art of Bonsai

The art of Bonsai is an elusive one, taking years to learn, requiring careful decision-making and patience above all. In that sense, it feels a lot like creating LEGO models—which is definitely an art Marius Herrmann has mastered. Marius, widely known as steponabrick both on Flickr and Instagram has shared an entry for Brickset’s ongoing Build a Bonsai competition—an expressive and lifelike sculpture, making masterful use of a variety of elements and beautiful techniques.

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Castle Gate of Brik'neerd: How to Make a Castle Gate

Castle Gate of Brik'neerd: How to Make a Castle Gate

Castles – in some way, shape or form – are probably one of the most common sights in the LEGO fan community. I can still remember being a young kid sitting in my room playing with, in my opinion, one of the best sets ever (Kings Castle 6080). Given how many talented castle-builders there are in the AFOL community, there is a good chance I’m not the only one with fond memories like that! Regardless if someone is talking about LEGO conventions or just browsing through their Flickr or Instagram feed, chances are more than a few great castle builds are going to show up. Castles have been crucial to the development of the LEGO fan community over time, starting with the original yellow castle (6075) to the iconic Classic Castle community and beyond.

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Green Abyss

Builder Blufiji shows us what it looks like when "unsavory characters, refugees, and denizens who simply want to disappear" take up residence in a swamp, and it's awesome. You can practically hear the insects, smell the damp air and feel the oppressive humidity as you look at this large, lush diorama. And if I'm not mistaken, in the distance, that's a banjo being played...slowly.

Green Abyss

Jungle Temple

I've never actually seen a pyramid, and to tell the truth I've never actually felt the need to. It's not that I don't appreciate ancient engineering, or have anything against the cultures that created them, it's because I'm from the central coast of California. This means I don't do hot, I don't do cold, and I don't do humidity. And it seems that everywhere pyramids are, that's what's around them. Just look at this marvelous jungle pyramid by builder MassEditor. You can practically hear the bugs, feel the sweat dripping down your back and smell the damp jungle air. I think I'll stick to The Jungle Cruise at Disneyland as a suitable substitute (then grab a Dole Whip, because it gets hot in Anaheim too).

Jungle Temple

The Golden Deer

This MOC by markus19840420 looks right out of a fairytale or adventure game. The tranquil setting, the lush landscaping, the ornate tree and the scene unfolding of a mysterious figure approaching a majestic stag. There's a story unfolding here, and it draws you in. I would love to see this under cinematic lighting, it would be wondrous I'm sure.

Bonsai

Can a MOC center you? I'd argue this one can. Ancient growing and pruning techniques meets skilled building techniques in this bonsai by Emil Lidé and the results are stunning. From a distance you'd swear it's just a little plant, but up close it's a marvel of construction. You really can't appreciate how this is built from these images, I encourage you to click through and check out the high res images.

Bonsai (1 of 3)
Bonsai (2 of 3)

Serenity

Conventions are hectic places. Meeting old and new friends, keeping an eye on the schedule, participating in events and trying to take it all in can get you stressed out in no time. So I stepped away for a few minutes to blog and found this. Can a MOC actually calm you down? This bonsai tree by Powerpig seems to have. Just looking at it made me smile and go "ahhh", and throttle back a bit., which is exactly what I needed.

Bonsai

The Source Of Eternal Life

Now wouldn't this be a fun little discovery while trekking through the woods? Minding your own business and suddenly there's a fountain of youth right there in front of you. This is a excellent example of creative lighting to truly make a MOC. Using LED lighting strips, markus19840420 under lit the water in this scene. That twisted trunk on the center tree is really cool too.