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Articles by Steve Barker
This LEGO Fantastic Four scene has me on cloud nine
I love a good microscale LEGO creation, and this model by flambo14 delivers in a big way. There's a pretty well established trend in the LEGO community where builders challenge themselves (and each other) to create original vehicles and environments inspired by a specific minifigure, but this may well be the first environment built to suit a LEGO Construction Figure.
No man is an island, but some secret hideouts are
German builder Gerrit Gottschalk's latest LEGO creation titled Ronin's Refuge depicts the struggles of a solitary life, in another time and on another continent. In feudal Japan, a "ronin" was a masterless samurai who had either lost their lord through death, disgrace, or had left their service. The term is often literally translated to "drifter", making Gerrit's choice of a watery location for this reclusive warrior's hideout almost poetic.
A humble scene delivers an epic sense of time and place
When it comes to an eye for detail there are few LEGO builders that measure up to Gerrit Gottschalk, who seems to consistently and effortlessly achieve the outcomes I always hope (and sometimes struggle) to include in my creations. This scene, titled Signs of Ageing, is superbly balanced and packed with texture and great parts usage. I love the look of those brown weed pieces with their stems buried deep in the blocky terrain.
A LEGO blacksmith shop that's tongs of fun
This blacksmith shop by LEGO builder kofi beautifully achieves a lifelike tumble-down esthetic in what I'm sure is a rock-solid build. In fact, I'm fairly confident that the only loose parts or "gravity connections" in this scene are the sacks, the blade resting on the anvil, and perhaps one of the coins, but even purists on this matter will surely appreciate the added effect of these set dressings.
Top marks for this bottom-feeder
From the depths of the imagination of LEGO builder Olle Moquist comes an aquatic ambulatory ecosystem that includes LEGO elements as diverse and obscure as the sea life itself. Olle shares that some of their favourite creative corals "ended up being scrapped as they didn't quite fit the palette". I find this very relatable.
Take me home, country roads
No stranger to The Brothers Brick, Andrew Tate showcases this terrific LEGO build of an old-timey truck with a vignette that is the very picture of rural life. While I don't believe this is meant to be any specific make or model, Andrew's use of the 2×6 train windscreen element is an absolutely perfect choice for capturing the character of a truck of this vintage.
High fantasy? Or mere child's play...
What at first glance may appear to be a LEGO creation with an identity crisis is builder Nate Chiles way of reminding us that a little imagination goes a long way. This 2-in-one LEGO creation "tells the story of that imagination that we all had (or have) by showing kids playing (on the left) and the stories imagination turns that play into (on the right)." It's a very relatable message, beautifully illustrated.
Carter Baldwin's Shield Booster mech is an (Exo-)Force to recon with
The year was 2006. The inception of the Ninjago theme was still five years distant, LEGO set numbers had 4 digits, and the Exo-Force theme debuted as LEGO's first foray into the already vast arena of anime-inspired mecha models. TBB Alum Carter Baldwin pays tribute to the too-short-lived theme with this dazzling LEGO mech inspired by set 8106 Aero Booster.
Start your day the LEGO way
As any experienced LEGO builder will tell you, the inspiration for an original creation can come from just about anywhere... Looking at LEGO element in a new way. Seeing a LEGO part in the shape of an everyday object. Or perhaps just from the imagery suggested by a single word. Built as an entry to the 2025 Rogue Olympics, this creation, titled Charred, is Marion Weintraut's answer to the theme "Temperature." Just looking at this creation, I can practically smell the burnt toast.
"Do we need the monkey?"
In 1981, one movie dominated the box office and launched an enduring and often imitated franchise. That film of course was Raiders of the Lost Ark.
We're feeling a bit of déjà blue
TBB regular Andreas Lenander transports us to another time and place with this "revamp" of his LEGO Falcon chapel model from last year. The chapel design in this medieval scene remains largely unchanged from the original except for the new blue hues in the roof, but Andreas took an entirely different approach to the setting and landscaping this time around.
Epic wrap battles of history
Marvel's nocturnal crime fighter Moon Knight draws on Egyptian history and lore in much the same way that Marvel's Thor does from Norse mythology. Meaning, very loosely and with little reverence or concern for accuracy. This remarkable LEGO build by is highly faithful to the source material though, beautifully capturing the outcast god Khonshu as depicted in the 2022 mini-series.
He built the red one
Sybrin Hendrikx is known primarily as a builder of incredible LEGO race cars, and his latest LEGO build is arguably still a hot ride but of a much less terrestrial variety. With this beautiful rendition of the stolen Police Cruiser from Disney's Lilo and Stitch Sybrin has somehow captured the organic, almost fluid lines of the craft's elegant yet powerful design, which seems to draw inspiration from sources as diverse as the classic Jaguar E-type roadster and tropical fish.
Small victory on the LEGO shores of Dunkirk
Remembered as one of the great turning points of World War II, the evacuation of allied forces from the beaches of Dunkirk would not have been possible without a flotilla of small private craft. In this dynamic LEGO diorama by Nicholas Goodman we see one of the hundreds such civilian craft lending a hand, plucking waiting Tommies out of the tumults of the North Atlantic and the European Theatre. The wooden pleasure-craft model is lovely by itself, evoking the period's brightwork and elegant lines.
Lord of the Wings
Sometimes the inception of an original creation comes from a single LEGO part, whether by looking at it in a new way or, as doubtless was the case for this Lord of the Rings tribute by builder Stefan Johansson, by making the absolute most of an apparently natural application.
Growing as a builder
It's been said that the purposes of bonsai are "primarily contemplation for the viewer, and the pleasant exercise of effort and ingenuity for the grower", and when done properly results in an "artful miniature replica". Remind you of any other hobby? In that context, the diminutive zen-influenced art form seems like a natural (though challenging) subject for a LEGO model, and a browse through The Brothers Bricks archives reveals that builder Louis of Nutwood was not alone in making the connection.
A Batmobile for the ages
This original LEGO Batmobile by Oshi is firing on all cylinders. From the stance, to the sleek yet incisive lines, to the visual suggestion that its chassis includes some kind of hardened fire-proof safe room, Oshi's offering fits the bat-bill perfectly. It's fascinating how through countless reimaginings reinventions and reboots, every new Batmobile always reads as a Batmobile. What are the traits that make this possible? What do they all have in common?
What color do you dream in?
Inspired by the incredible sci-fi art of Pascal Blanché, builder Luka presents a stylized LEGO scene that looks equally at home in a Love Death & Robots segment or an Eiffel 65 video.
Doorway to the imagination
Home to "a civilization spoken of in legend and lore", Gareth Gidman's recent LEGO creation "The Door to the Hidden City" presents a scene that conjures more questions than answers. Drawing inspiration from the OG masters of fantasy, Gareth started this build "without having a specific purpose in mind, which made the build process much more relaxing and free flowing." Perhaps being in the zone is how he achieved such natural-looking stone and snow forms.
Decapo-dacious - The Brothers Brick
Adding to an already impressive biomechanical menagerie, this cracking-good Coconut Crab creation by Mitsuru Nikaido bears all this talented LEGO builder's hallmarks. Chiefly, their signature monochrome style, and absolutely nailing the character of the subject. This latest offering takes full advantage of a variety of new-ish angled and wedge shaped LEGO tile elements, used to great effect by a talented builder with an unfailing eye for proportion and detail.
This LEGO castle's a keep(er)
No stranger to The Brothers Brick, prolific Australian LEGO builder Ben Cossy seems to dabble in just about every building theme, turning out a string of quality creations both large and small. Of his latest, Ben says it "might actually be my favorite castle creation that I have made." Understandably so! A closer look at his striking and retro-inspired Black Falcon's Keep reveals why.
This LEGO Edward Scissorhands model is a cut above
Like the film that inspired it, Roland Grace's LEGO model of Edward Scissorhands is an instant-classic. Every one of Edward's characteristic traits is captured perfectly, from his wild hair and wary stare, to his ill-fitting borrowed clothes that betray just a glimpse of his "monstrous" true self. The build is exceptional, but the way Roldan has posed the impressive 20″+ figure is what really brings this iconic and misunderstood character to life.
Knight bricks and chill
This crisp mountain scene by LEGO builder Nicholas Goodman is a lesson in atmosphere. The visuals are engaging - strong and clean, conveying depth and detail with terrific balance in both color and texture (studded and smooth) - but also evoke the other senses. As my eye is drawn in, I can practically smell the frozen air and hear the slushy hoof-thumps. The scene itself is deceptively simple, leaving much room for imaginative interpretation.
Nothing but praise for this LEGO church
Capturing the spirit of the subject, conveying detail at scale, and cleverly using parts are the holy trinity of a LEGO microscale builder's goals. Builder Christian Rau scores the trifecta with this remarkably faithful LEGO model of the Jesuit Church in Lucerne, Switzerland.
Run 'n gun - the best of both worlds - The Brothers Brick
Unparalleled play features and an eye for form make 's LEGO builds easy to spot but hard to imitate, and the fully transformable battle-ready beauty Vehichle-Bot 03 is no exception.">Vehicle-Bot 03 is no exception. Sand green is not exactly a rare color, but certainly harder to come by than some, with the available part selection used to great effect here. And that's not to mention a well placed Technic gear differential housing used for the gun barrel.
Al Foster: Golf pro, mentor and friend
Dedicated golf professionals, the teaching kind, are a unique breed. They are entrusted with a game that holds seemingly magical powers to create obsessions and stir up revelations. Golf pros set the tone that begins to shape the culture of the golf courses where they work. What separates the great golf professionals from the good ones is the commitment they have to striking the match to ignite a player’s interest in the game — and then adding the fuel to create an obsession.
You'll be Spirited Away
You don't have to be an anime fan to appreciate this pair of incredible and contrasting LEGO builds, each one an astonishingly well rendered recreation of a memorable moment from the Spirited Away.
A Star Wars force to recon with
At a glance, one might mistake this exceptionally tidy creation by Thomas Jenkins for an official LEGO set, and you could be forgiven for that, as the Jedi craft's distinctive lines are recreated spot-on. But there's a lot more going on here than you will find in any set (including easily triple the parts count!) - a result of Thomas' "totally SNOT approach" to the subject.
Reading into the scene
This creation by Bryckland titled simply "The Grand Tower" is an excellent example of visual world-building in LEGO. The characters are about to do battle, and Alex has provided a snippet of a larger story on their Instagram, but I'm referring to the environs themselves, which evoke a sense of history. Comparatively, the titular tower is not so grand in stature but the beautiful build more than makes up for it.
From the depths... of space!
Ahoy LEGO Pirates fans! If this terrific scene of peril an' plunder rings familiar, it should, especially if ye've been hitting the bricks since at least 2009... Still not seeing it? Take off your cosplay patch and feast both eyes on Ben Spector's loving redesign of 6240: Kraken Attackin' built for the Eurobricks "Space Pirates - Back to the Caribbean Galaxy!" competition.
Putting the vest in vestibule
This cluster of towers proves you don't need a towering collection to produce memorable LEGO creations, and that a little expert part usage goes a long way. Flickr user Cab ~ shows us how it's done, by repurposing some well-known minifigure accessories, saying they "felt bad for the parts that never get any use".
Steve Barker: Resilience Paid Off
On winning the Carling Knockout We are very proud of the club as a whole for winning the Carling Knockout against TS Galaxy, we are excited and pleased for the players because they worked really hard to achieve this. They really committed to and deserved what they got this past weekend, which is winning a trophy. In summary, it’s a proud moment for me as a coach and Stellenbosch FC as a football club.
Portfolio
Portfolio The night we went digital by Chris Champion 29 Oct 2020 English critics have some of the more quotable opinions on the subject of praise. Charles Caleb Colton said, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” He also said, “There are two modes of establishing our reputation: to be praised by honest men, and to be abused by rogues.” Noel Coward, perhaps as a defence against attack by rogues, said, “I love criticism, just as long as it is unqualified praise.”
Kyoto, Japan Travel Guide
After 1000 years as Japan's capital, Kyoto's population might not match Japan's mega-cities but her cultural offerings surpasses anywhere. Hidden treasures can be found all over Kyoto if you can find your way out from under the shadow of her bustling and sky-scraping metropolitan heart.
A library where everybody knows your name
Our public libraries are getting smaller. Visits to public libraries are down, print collections are down, and even computer use is down in most states. Many state and local governments are still recovering from the financial crisis, and any increase in expenditures usually goes to schools and police departments. As a result, library budgets are flat or down in many jurisdictions. In this area, Anne Arundel County library staff went seven years without a raise.
In Age of Google, Librarians Get Shelved
The next time you visit a public library and see an older person at the information desk, someone near retirement age, take a good look. You may be seeing the last of a dying breed, the professional librarian. Years ago, a librarian was someone who held a master’s degree in library science (MLS) issued by a graduate program accredited by the American Library Association. Those of us who attended library schools underwent rigorous...
Backcountry - The Suffocating Wilderness
Backcountry is a well-acted film with a familiar premise that pits the ignorance of man and woman against nature. This time around, couple-seemingly-on-the-verge-of-implosion, Jenn (Missy Peregrym) and Alex (Jeff Roop) leave their urban comforts to explore the never-seen-on-screen Blackfoot trail, secluded somewhere in the Canadian wilderness.
Foxcatcher - Privilege and Attainment
Foxcatcher chronicles the tragic partnership of multi-millionaire John Du Pont (Steve Carell) and brothers Dave (Mark Ruffalo) and Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum), Olympic medalist in wrestling from the 1980 and 1984 games. Recently, the real Mark Schultz has gone to Twitter and Facebook to condemn director Bennett Miller’s depiction of suggested homoeroticism between Mark and John.
Maleficent - Another Disney Film Debunking True Love
Hell hath no fury like a fairy whose wings have been forcibly amputated. Veering from the well-known Disney interpretation of the Sleeping Beauty tale, Maleficent offers a justification for the titular character’s animosity toward Aurora (Elle Fanning) – and it’s not unjustified. In the beginning of the film, we meet a young Maleficent, whose horns are only half-matured and whose wings carry her on the back of the wind.
Birdman - Insanity and Craft
Alejandro G. Inarritu’s new film, Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Innocence) is unrestricted, taking aim at the rash of superhero films that have been progenated by whoresome producers in the past 10 years.
The Skeleton Twins - Resolution Will Not be Televised
Darkly comical and sardonic, The Skeleton Twins is a poignant study in loneliness. A warning to those about to watch the film: there is no resolution. Much like the Milo and Maggie (Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig), the melancholic, estranged siblings suggested by the title, we are left hanging – not in such a way that we have to ask, “What the hell?”, but in such a way that makes us realize we have no idea what’s coming next. Neither do Milo or Maggie.
Wild - An Escape from Life and Plot
Orgasm-tinged breathing opens the film, as the camera sets our gaze from a mountaintop over an open valley. This devolves to a visceral scene that reminds us the importance of wearing appropriately-sized boots while hiking. Based on Cheryl Strayed’s book, Wild: Lost and Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, the new briefer titled film, Wild, recounts Strayed’s 1,100 mike hike from Mexico to Canada. The attempt itself is impressive, and her success is doubly so.
The Sheik - When Professional Wrestling was Real
Anyone who watched the then-WWF’s professional wrestling as a child in the 80’s and 70’s will undoubtedly be familiar with the camel clutch, the pre-Hogan all-American Bob Backlund, and of course, Hulk Hogan himself. Most likely one would also recognize Khosrow Vaziri’s, or as he’s better known, the Iron Sheik.
The Theory of Everything - Interaction and Survival
Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones’s powerfully understated performances drive James Marsh’s new film, The Theory of Everything, a film based on the relationship between world-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) and his wife, Jane (Felicity Jones). As Marsh did with the documentary Man on Wire, he plays this film slowly. There are few montages throughout, which seem to be a staple to show the evolution of personality in a standard biopic.
Filth - The Results of Self Hatred
Based on the Irvine Welsh novel of the same name, and typical of its author’s material, Filth offers a cynical, corrupt world replete with sexual emasculation and a seemingly endemic Scottish self-hatred. Anyone familiar with Trainspotting should recall that Scotland is not even good enough to be filled with Wankers.
Ivory Tower - A Short Summary of the Many Issues with Higher Education
Ivory Tower is a documentary that exposes the perils of investing so much money in higher education. At that same time, it fosters credence in the faulty belief that everyone should attend college. There are moments within that offer alternative arteries to education. One is at an isolated “college” in an agrarian setting in California. The other is through an education-driven coop led by Peter Thiel, the founder of PayPal.
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