Builder Showcase - Jimmy Fortel

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Builder Showcase - Jimmy Fortel

The list of AFOLs that have actually visited my little studio here in Lompoc "middle of nowhere" California is pretty small. Not many are willing to make the long trip out of the way. So when Jimmy Forte (AKA 6kyubi6) and his lovely wife were visiting from France and willing to make the 3 hour trip from Los Angeles to visit, I was delighted. We ended up spending most of the day together, toured my dinky studio, had lunch at my favorite local burger joint Tom's, shared wine and mexican food at my house later and had a great time.

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Builder Showcase - Mike Dung

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Builder Showcase - Mike Dung

One of the things I most love about the AFOL community is it knows no borders and speaks a common language. I have contact with builders from all over the world, and very much enjoy sharing their work on this blog. Through it I have made friends in so many countries I've lost count. It also exposes me to different pop culture, that while I may not completely understand, I can totally appreciate. One of these builders is Mike Dung. He's one of the reigning kings of manga builders, and his lovely characters are responsible for a great many Google searches  on my part, but all worth it.

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Builder Showcase - David Hensel

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Builder Showcase - David Hensel

There are few in the castle genre that haven't heard of David Hensel, AKA Legonardo Davidy, and there are a great many outside the theme (and AFOL community) that have marveled at his creations. His unorthodox, fluid and organic style is eye catching and splendid, and he is a pioneer of building techniques.

His work continually leaves me in awe, and his down-to-earth attitude and humble personality make his MOCs even more appealing. I'm very happy to let you all get to know him a little better.

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Builder Showcase - Mel Finelli

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Builder Showcase - Mel Finelli

I was recently scrolling through all the previously featured builders and thought it was really about time I featured a female. I know the hobby is hugely gender-skewed to the dumber of the sexes (myself included guys) but there are some amazing lady builders out there and I'm past due featuring one. Coincidently about that same time I stumbled across Episode 108 of Beyond The Brick featuring Mel Finelli and I thought her story, her MOCs and her outlook on life were great.

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Builder Showcase - Ed Diment

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Builder Showcase - Ed Diment

When I met Ed Diment back in 2010 it was immediately evident I was speaking to an AFOL of particular dedication. Of course I met him in the shadow of his phenomenal USS Intrepid, which at 22 feet long just stopped you in your tracks while you picked up your jaw. I soon after discovered he's also a very likable, funny guy with a love for life just as powerful as his passion for the bricks.

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Builder Showcase - Jon Hall

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Builder Showcase - Jon Hall

For a great many admirers, myself included, Jon Hall rules the skies. His whimsical, detailed and imaginative aircraft have been delighting LEGO fans for years. Not only are they expertly designed and built, but Jon takes so much care in the photography and photo editing that his work simply stands alone. And it's not just brick, Jon takes meticulous care to design a pilot for every craft, and beautiful stickers that rival official LEGO stickers. Each piece is a work of art, from the spinner to the rudder, and everything in between.

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Builder Showcase - Andrew Lee

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Builder Showcase - Andrew Lee

Someone once described Andrew as "too cool to be one of us, yet he is" and I thought that summed up Andrew pretty well. He's definitely cooler than me. Yet he's not afraid to let his geeky side show, with an open love of most things nerdy. He also happens to be one of the most talented builders in the AFOL scene, even winning the latest round of Iron Builder. With his shades on, a beer in one hand and a mind-blowing MOC in the other, Andrew brings the party to wherever he is.

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Builder Showcase - Brandon Griffith

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Builder Showcase - Brandon Griffith

 

Ever since I discovered the AFOL community (you mean I'm not the only one?) I've been a fan of Brandon's work. His building style is clean and whimsical, and rooted in art and pop culture. His diverse portfolio spans multiple genres and building styles, and bridges the LEGO fan world and the general public. All of his work has a touch of humor (and sometimes more than a touch) and a broad appeal.

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Builder Showcase - Nathan Sawaya

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Builder Showcase - Nathan Sawaya

The highlight for me of San Diego Comic-Con was speaking on the BrickJournal: LEGO as an Art Form panel with Nathan Sawaya, Brandon Griffith and Joe Meno. Nathan was especially entertaining and informative on the panel, and let's face it, the real star. He was well-spoken, charming and everything I'm not. He's also one of, if not the, greatest brick artists in the world.

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