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- Originality: How original is this - never seen before?
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“A PROJECT SIMPLY DEDICATED TO TRUE FRIENDS”
DESCRIPTION
In this LEGO set where a kitten hugs a puppy, the scene can be viewed sociologically as a symbol of unlikely relationships and social harmony. It disrupts traditional power dynamics by depicting unity between two beings often seen as different or even oppositional. This affectionate bond highlights the possibility of cooperation and mutual respect between groups that might otherwise be viewed as incompatible. The sculpture suggests themes of inclusivity, empathy, and peaceful coexistence, underscoring how diversity can foster stronger, more harmonious relationships. Philosophically, the sculpture delves into the essence of connection and the balance between vulnerability and strength. The kitten, embodying innocence, and the puppy, representing loyalty, together convey an emotional bond that transcends superficial differences. Their interaction can be seen as a metaphor for friendship and compassion overcoming division, resonating with broader existential ideas about unity and the shared nature of existence. It reminds us that relationships are about embracing the other despite, and perhaps because of differences. An affirmation of interconnectedness in life.
THE EARLY IDEA
As everything, also this project began in my mind, certainly also thanks to the Grand Prize of the July IDEAS Challenge, “Pet's in Play.” In fact, I wanted to experiment the same technique adopted for Mirò, but transformed into a real challenge for my construction skills. So I thought about how a puppy hugging a kitten could look like. The image in my mind began to take shape in different ways that were then adapted to the contingencies of Lego constructions. I then created several freehand drawn versions where I tried to find a composition that was empathetic enough to best render the friendship that can arise between two different creatures in order to transmit a universal message of mutual affection in a single glance. From the sketches hand-drawings I made, you can see where I started for this unusual adventure in which a kitten and a puppy hug each other like two humans.
• Below my freehand drawings:
THE DESIGN PROCESS
After having fixed on paper a compositional model to follow, I started to create the model in stud.io, keeping in mind the proportions of the Mirò project. So in 1:1 scale for what were to be a kitten and a puppy. Initially I had started to define what could be the removable and rotatable parts, so as to guarantee the next precise positioning, such as to have the desired composition. In a first phase I had decided to create the kitten and the puppy separate, but I soon changed my mind, as this would have led to too much arbitrariness and randomness in the final composition that the builder would have. The model had to be perceived as a single piece, easy to move and position in a simple way. So from the separate kitten and puppy, I moved on to the version with both made up of a single base element, to which the heads and paws were then added, so as to assemble them at a later time in a correct and not arbitrary position by the final customer / builder. This first phase of development of the project obviously involved a lot of tests and second thoughts before arriving at the final result shown here. A really complex part of this design and construction process was that of the collisions between the parts that had to be avoided in any way, but at the same time that of making the composition organic and realistic. Almost dynamic. To avoid collisions between the juxtaposed parts, I carefully chose the Lego components that could best adapt to the purpose. In this way I hid the interconnecting parts, so as not to make it look like an object composed of multiple elements, but rather a compact figure. To achieve this, I zoomed in very closely on all the components, in order to ensure that there were no collisions. And in fact there aren't any!
• Below the modular separate elements that compose “TRUE FRIENDS”
WHY MIGHT THIS BE A GOOD SET?
After completing the challenging build and letting it sit on your shelf for a few days, you’ll notice that the image it represents, carries a universal message of harmony and peace. In just a few words, it’s a beautiful piece to admire. It could offer comfort in tough times or serve as a thoughtful, original gift for someone special. The message is clear and leaves no room for misunderstanding.
HERE SOME NUMBERS
2684 interlocking pieces
678 different components all in production in 2024 except for the brick colors, which were chosen based on the best results onto the project
Dimensions:
width studs: 41 cm: 33 inches: 13
length studs: 40 cm: 31 inches: 12
height studs: 31 cm: 24 inches: 9,5
By
CUBETTARO
Help your fellow builder by leaving your feedback based on these three criteria:
- Originality: How original is this - never seen before?
- Building Techniques: How much skill do you think the creator of this MOC has, in terms of building technique?
- Details: Express how much you like the details of the build.
Your feedback is only shown to the creator as well as yourself. It is not available for other users to see. The creator won't see your user name.