Lego master: meet an artist who makes life-size sculptures from the colorful building bricks.

• Position: Nathan Sawaya - Brief article - Interview

Nathan Sawaya got his first LEGO set when he was 5. But unlike most kids, he never outgrew his love of creating things with the colorful bricks. Today, at 40, he builds LEGO replicas of everyday objects and famous artworks, as well as his own original creations. Some of his work is now on display in an exhibit in New York City called "The Art of the Brick." Sawaya spoke to Scholastic News about life as a LEGO artist.

Scholastic News: What was your first LEGO sculpture?

Nathan Sawaya: When I was 10, I asked my parents if I could get a dog. They said no. What did I do? I built myself a life-size LEGO dog. It was that moment I realized, "Wow, [I don't have to build] what's on the front of the box." It could be whatever I wanted it to be.

SN: What's the best part about being a LEGO artist?

NS: I get to come to work every day and play. It's a fun job because I get to work with my hands, and every day I'm creating ideas.

SN: What's the process of creating a sculpture out of LEGO bricks? NS: There's a lot of...