Nathan Sawaya, Lego DemiGod

A few years ago Nathan Sawaya decided to follow his dream and give up being a lawyer to become a Lego "sculptor." Today, CNN.com had an interesting interview with him:

CNN: How difficult was it to make the decision to switch from full-time attorney to fulltime LEGO artist?

SAWAYA:
It wasn't very tough. I worked with great people at the law firm, but my passion was always for my art. As more and more people were commissioning pieces and collecting my artwork, it became clear to me that I should focus on my art full time.

New York corporate attorneys are known for working the long hours. I find myself working long hours now as well, but I'm doing something I love. ... The worst day in the art studio is still better than the best day in the law firm.

[snip]

CNN: What's the weirdest thing you've ever been asked to build?

SAWAYA:
I've built monkeys for both the talk show host Craig Ferguson, and the magician David Copperfield. I've also built a functioning industrial air conditioner.

CNN: You mean it actually churned out cold air?

SAWAYA: Well, it produced a slight breeze.

I love Legos but had never heard of the Sawaya until today. After looking at the pics on his site all I can say is, "WOW!" And I thought the little spaceships and boats I make for my son were pretty good.

He's also taking his show on the road to art museums (rightfully so), but not nationwide—it'll be at the Discovery Center Museum in Rockford, Ill., June 15 - September 3, 2007. If anyone gets a chance to go, please take some pics and share.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go hang my head in shame at my unworthiness.