Intricate, serene and a truly artistic creation, discover the story behind the CRESCENT MOON ROCK SCULPTURE and it's creator Nannan! If you were one of the 10,000 supporters, or if you really like this submission be sure to let us know in the comments!
ABOUT YOURSELF
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What is your first name + last name?
Nannan Zhang. - Where are you from?
Columbus, Ohio, USA.
- What do you study or do for a living?
I am a neurologist and researcher at The Ohio State University. I treat patients with multiple sclerosis, and I lead a clinical and translational research program studying aging and MS.
- What hobbies do you have?
I also organize Creations for Charity, which is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization. Since 2009, we’ve hosted an annual fundraising event where builders from all over the world donate custom LEGO creations that are sold online from October to November. We use the money raised to buy new LEGO sets for underprivileged children around the world during the holidays. I also enjoy running, watching anime, and playing Magic: The Gathering.
- Do you have a personal LEGO portfolio website that you can share with us?
Flickr is the most comprehensive gallery for viewing my creations. I have been posting my creations there since 2007 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/nannanz/albums/72157600312881580). I’m also on Instagram - @nannanz_creations.
- Have you created any LEGO MOCs (my own creations) that you’re particularly proud of? What is it, why are you proud of it and do you have a photo of it?
I really like my recent creation of a colorful pueblo. It uses pastel colors to depict adobe houses, which are made using curved slopes to create the round edges of each building. I also enjoyed coming up with a variety of desert plants to add detail. (Reference photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nannanz/53690517091).
- How and when did your interest in LEGO products come about?
I’ve been building with LEGO bricks since I was a kid, and in high school I discovered the online LEGO community and the incredible creations built by AFOLs. This inspired me to build at the highest level, and I have been sharing my creations online for the past two decades.
- What does the LEGO hobby mean to you? How does it fit into your life? E.g. build, display, meetups, play the games or 'just' watch the cartoons.
To me, building is like creating art while solving a puzzle. You get the satisfaction of both. The hobby is an integral part of my life, and I’ve made lifelong friends through conventions, local LUGs, and online communities.
- What is your favorite LEGO theme (current or past)? Why? And has any theme inspired your building style or preference in any particular way?
My favorite theme is Western. These were the first sets I received, and I have fond memories of playing with them. Nowadays I prefer themes with vibrant colors and like to ponder how I can use new and colorful parts in spaceships or landscapes.
- What is your favorite LEGO element? Why?
I don’t have a favorite piece, but there have been so many new elements over the years that have vastly improved the feasibility of creating shapes and connections that were not possible with the parts available over 10 years ago. If you give an experienced builder a single stud, bar, or clip, they can branch anything from that connection point with modern-day elements. I’m always looking forward to new parts that further expand the possibilities.
- Is there one or more particular LEGO websites (not official LEGO websites) that you visit often and/or are inspired by?
I like to browse creations on my computer rather than my phone. Flickr remains my favorite website for this reason. You can view photos at high resolutions and make notes on the photo of sections of the model you like.
ABOUT YOUR PROJECT
- Where did your interest in this particular model come from?
The creation was inspired by a moon rock garden sculpture by Mugen Wong (https://www.instagram.com/p/Cer-ZxhrHlr/). When I saw a video of his rock sculpture, I instantly knew that a similar concept would look great built from LEGO, due to the dynamic yet balanced look of the model, and the feeling of serenity that it inspires.
- What special challenges or frustrations did you face creating the model? What was the most difficult part to recreate?
The biggest challenge was integrating the microscale houses and stairs into the rock. This disrupted the systematic technique I had for building the structure of the rock, so I had to find ways around it.
- How long did it take to complete the model? Did you finish it fairly quickly, or did it take a long time? And how did the build time compare to the time you spent promoting your Product Idea to reach 10,000 supporters?
I finished building most of the creation in about 20 hours, across 2 weeks. This was fast for me, as I was trying to make a deadline for an art show at work. I didn’t initially plan to submit the model to LEGO Ideas, but many people suggested that I do, and I’m glad I listened to them!
- How did it feel when you reached the magic 10,000 votes and how long did it take?
I was surprised by how well-received the project was. Support grew steadily, reaching 10,000 votes over 3 months, and I’m happy to see new people discovering and enjoying the build each day.
- What is your favorite building technique or part/section that you’ve incorporated into your Product Idea?
I used a systematic technique I developed for building rockwork, using different types of 1 2/3 tall bricks with studs on sides. This allowed me to build in 2-stud cuboid units that can be branched in 6 directions.
ABOUT LEGO IDEAS
- What is your favorite LEGO Ideas Product Idea (besides your own of course)? Are there any Product Ideas you think have been overlooked?
I really like Jan Woźnica’s Tales of the Space Age. I even made my own addition to the three panels before the project reached 10,000 supporters. (Reference photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nannanz/51794774718/).
- What is it about the platform that attracts you? What tips would you give to anyone who is thinking about uploading an idea?
I like how LEGO Ideas allows sets to be made that don’t fit an existing theme from LEGO. It showcases the diversity of sets that are possible. If you think what you built has the potential to become a LEGO set, chances are someone else thinks the same, too!
By
JacobM366