Global Tour of Nathan Sawaya’s LEGO Sculptures in Myrtle Beach until September

By GINA GAMBONY • JUL 21, 2016 • WHQR, Wilmington, NC Yellow by Nathan Sawaya

Listen…3:47 | LISTEN to Nathan Sawaya talk about his transition from law to art in 2004 and his current focus in human figures. More audio below. The artwork of award-winning contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya may surprise you-and your children. Sawaya creates sculptures out of LEGOS, the same Legos parents have in couch cushions and under kitchen tables. His exhibit The Art of the Brick is on a global tour, and through September, it’s on display at the Burroughs-Chapin Art Museum in Myrtle Beach. Sawaya spoke with us from his studio in Los Angeles. The first question: what was it like to leave a successful career as a corporate lawyer to commit to LEGO sculpture full-time? Listen above.

“The Art of the Brick” by Nathan Sawaya & “In Pieces” by Sawaya and Australian photographer Dean West. Burroughs-Chapin Art Museum in Myrtle Beach through September 10th.

Nathan Sawaya and his work

Credit: Nathan Sawaya/Adam Krell

WEB EXTRA #1: In addition to The Art of the Brick, the Burroughs-Chapin Art Museum is also displaying a collaborative exhibit between Nathan Sawaya and Australia photographer Dean West. Listen to Sawaya talk about

In Pieces here:

Listen…1:34 | Listen: Artist Nathan Sawaya talks about “In Pieces,” a collaboration with Australian photographer Dean West, also on display at Burroughs-Chapin Art Museum.

WEB EXTRA #2: What kind of LEGO might Sawaya like to see invented? Listen to his response:

Stairway by Nathan Sawaya

Credit Nathan Sawaya/Adam Krell

Listen…1:41 | Listen to Sawaya reveal his hoped-for LEGO (but only if everyone gets it).

THE FRANKLIN G. BURROUGHS-SIMEON B. CHAPIN ART MUSEUM IN MYRTLE BEACH

Myrtle Beach’s Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum strives to be one of the finest visual arts museums in the Carolinas. With 11 galleries that change throughout the year, Myrtle Beach’s only art museum offers exhibitions featuring paintings, textiles, sculpture, photography, video, ceramics, assemblage, collage and more. A visit to the Art Museum’s exhibitions can be enhanced by its lively programming, including artist receptions, tours, lectures, workshops and classes for both adults and children.