What was your favorite toy as a child?

If LEGO bricks make the list, then this week’s Close Up is for you.

Nathan Sawaya is an award-winning artist who creates awe-inspiring, larger-than-life works of art out of LEGO bricks.

The former corporate lawyer has been creating these beautiful and whimsical sculptures since 2002.

“When my website crashed from too many hits I realized it’s time to make a change,” explained Nathan.  “So I left the law firm behind and became a full-time artist.”

He is now also the author of two best-selling books and his touring exhibitions, “The Art of the Brick”, has broken attendance records around the globe.  Those who have seen the artwork are frequently left inspired by Nathan’s work.

Nathan Sawaya: Art of the brick

Nathan Sawaya is an award-winning artist who creates awe-inspiring, larger-than-life works of art out of LEGO bricks.

“They write to me and say ‘We came home, we got all our LEGO bricks out and we started creating, as a family’ and that’s pretty cool,” said Nathan.

Full Frame caught up with this unique artist in Los Angeles where Nathan told us how his belief that “art is not optional” inspires everything he does.

Connect with Nathan on Facebook