What would you do with 780,000 Lego studs?
Zachary Pollock wants to combine them with another childhood classic. He’s started a Kickstarter project to build an enormous mosaic, recreating the entire level 1-1 of the original Super Mario Brothers video game.
This project has a couple goals. First and foremost, I want to inspire a new generation of Lego enthusiasts. I also want to show people what they have forgotten, that building with Lego can be done at any age. My second goal is to use this project to test the waters for a foundation I would like to start that will work with children doing healing art projects using Lego bricks. This project aims to push the limits of imagination about what you can do with Lego bricks and particularly to break down stereotypes people have about both Lego and video games only being toys. I want to show the world Lego and video games can be works of art as well. Last but certainly not least I, and I think many other people, really want to see the entire level 1-1 of Super Mario Bros. made from Lego because it is just FUN! Right now I think we all need a little more fun in our lives.
Epic Mario mosaic: sample section
If the Kickstarter is successful, the 6′ x 90′ mosaic will be built in June at Bricks Cascade in Portland, Oregon, and would be displayed at BrickCon in Seattle in October, as well as other events over the following year.
Especially fun for people who pledge to the Kickstarter is the chance to help build the mosaic! Pollock plans to invite all contributors to brick building parties. So if you’re in the Portland area you can have a literal hand in making the project real!
This is a fun and ambitious project with a worthwhile set of goals. It’s a clever melding of an iconic video game and an iconic toy into a unique – and epic – work of art. Pollock’s vision for a foundation is an inspiring idea – one that parents, kids, AFOLs* and KFOLs** alike can appreciate.
The Kickstarter project runs until May 10.
* AFOL – Adult Fan of Lego
** KFOL – Kid Fan of Lego
