Look Into History: Season 13

Season 13 (2012-2013): This Project was a very interesting build. I was trying to capture some of the feelings of the older seasons. With the massive window so people could look inside and see just about everything. From a pure technical stand point this was the first time I had nearly the full sides with secondary sections. This created the extra challenge of making sure I had all the support pillars in place to help support the upper sections of wall. Unlike last season were the tower was planned as an after thought. The bell tower on this was planned out from the start. 

A few fun things happens with this season. Our Sunday Visitor ran an amazing story on me. Was also the first display at Knights of Columbus Council 4232. A council I would later join as a result of that display. 

It was a rather fun build over all and one of the projects that stand out as a good example of what I do. 

-JM

Look Into History: Season 12

Season 12 (2011-2012): Season 12 came about during a challenging time in my life. I developed a rare neurological condition called "Visual Snow" late in 2010. At the time I did not know much about it. Or how it would effect me down the road. One of my worries was how it would effect my work on The Project. Season 12 was my first project since this condition developed.

This Project is one of my favorites. But it is also one of the most goofiest ones I've built. It goes into some fun directions that worked out well for the time. This was my first attempt having the project off to one side of the board. Which allowed for a bigger "wing" section. Any time you attempt something for the first time. Their are bound to be extra challenges with it. Just because of the over all nature of this layout a few things had to be taken into consideration. One of the biggest issues is with the bell tower itself. One of my personal rules after Season 8: The Project must have a bell tower. When I designed Season 12 I pretty much forgot to add one. The solution was to create a tower that fit into the roof tile section. The tower is big and heavy. But given the unique nature of the build it works.

Considering all that I was dealing with at the time. I have to say I'm really glad the project turned out as well as it did. Gave some good starting points for future seasons.

-JM

Look Into History: Season 11

Season 11 (2010-2011): This Project was a fun build. I had decided to simply reuse the same basic foot print for that I had used on Season 10. However what came from that is something very different from what I was expecting.  I pretty much went all out on this project. I had decided early on what kind of window set up I wanted to do. What added to the challenge of the build was the secret doors that could open up on the sides. Getting them too look like the rest of the section with out making it obvious that I had done something fun. (I did not want the little kids to realize this and open up the walls). But it was very slow building. I had to build each section row by row and had to work on all three window segments all at once. The project wasn't as tall so their wasn't any worry about the gaps being able to support the weight of the roof.

One of the bigger change for that year was the change to the Grand Cross. Replacing the solid yellow Cross with yellow 1x2x2 windows. This worked out for a while and added a neat change to the project's over all look. This also the first season where I added the Roman Numbers to mark the season. This came about because I wanted something to fill the space because on the other side their is a Tabernacle in the center. In fact this idea would be reused later in another season. The numbers have been used in every project sense. However the location has always been depending on the nature of the build.

The roof tiles get a mention because till Season 18 they were the main feature. They were redesigned from scratch after Season 10. I wanted something that captured the feel of the old dome roofs. It was something that I missed about the project and to be honest would have loved to revisit at some point down the road. But the tiles were built up and they worked out rather well for what I needed them for. It served a purpose and did a good job of it.

Season 11 was an amazing build. Some of the ideas carried over into other Seasons. Or in some ways revisited years later. It is the nature of The Project for ideas to be given a second or third look. To see how I can improve on things. Which is always a fun journey.

-JM

Look Into History: Season 10

Season 10 (2009-2010):  It is still hard to believe at that point I have reached ten years of The Project. For me this was a rather fun season. Filled with a lot of ideas and some fun experiments that worked out decently enough. At this point the project was still focused on using what I had on hand. Thus the lack of windows in the back section. This was also the first project to have the Grand Cross used both on the wall and on the floor (of the main entrance).

However this project does feature some design elements that will become staples of later works. In this case the use of the current "Grid" system. The first real use of having the project "centered to the board" which allows me to have two side wings on either side. The roof also used a combo of custom built tiles and base plates giving the roof that neat flat top style.

Over all this was a very good project that held up rather well. Always fun going back into the history of what I have done. Sometimes it can give me direction as to where I want to go.

-JM

Cutting Words

The other day someone got onto my case because I "play with a children's toy". The person felt that I was trying to make myself out to be more important than I am. This isn't the first time I've run into such criticism. Even when you know where it is coming from, in this case a profound lack of understanding, it still cuts into you. My self-esteem hasn't been the world's greatest. This fellow's comments sure as heck did me no favors.

LEGO is the building medium that I use. I've always considered myself an artist who uses what he has on hand. I take what is in effect a blank canvas and create something from my own mind. Just so happens that what I build is in 3D format. Not unlike a 3D printer creating something layer by layer. It is a way for me to express myself in a creative way. In that respect I'm not all that unique. Their are many Adult Fans of Lego. (AFOL). Some of them create stuff that I could never even begin to understand. I don't want to minimize what I do or even my skill level. But their are truly some amazing builders out there. Brothers Brick is a good resource to check out to learn more.

However what separates me from the typical adult fan is what I do with those bricks. I build Catholic Parishes. Rather large and fully detailed parishes. Usually around 47x24x25 (inches). That's about the size of long coffee table or even a kitchen table. Pictures I've posted don't do this justice on any level. These the projects are a massive undertaking. The fact that I can build something like this with in about four to eight weeks is a challenge on it's own. Then I take that project on the road to a few locations in the region and show this to the public. Often times a Catholic Church or other like minded events. I'm also doing this solo. I'm not connected with any LEGO User Groups. The project is built on my own. The only help I really get is with transportation and set up for the displays. With out the kindness of people helping me out my displays would not happen.

Which brings us to the "profound lack of understanding" when it comes to what I do. What makes my work even more of a challenge. I have a mild case of cerebral palsy. This effects me in a lot of ways. Some of it even in the aspect of social interactions. I am extremely hyperactive on a good day. Which makes my attention span very limited. I also don't move around as well as I would like. My balance is not the greatest as it is. So moving around even in my apartment can be tricky. So the fact that I can even sit down and have enough patience to work on the Project. Often times for more than a few hours in a row is rather amazing. The fact that I have the dedication to do this for a full nineteen years and still have the same love that I did when I did my first display? Impressive. I really don't do this for myself. The goal about my artwork has always been sharing and showing that even if you have a disability or challenge that God can and will use your talents. Doing so in amazing and creative ways. That has always been my core message. No matter what else I do during the season. It always comes back to that. God has given me this amazing gift that many people around the world enjoy. I am blessed to be able to share it with others. All the media attention I have gotten in the last few years is just part of that. In this case it isn't so much about me but rather what I am doing and why. Giving hope to those who struggle with challenges even I cannot begin to understand.

The reality for me is that I often struggle with accepting the fact that I have a disability. The world around me doesn't help with this struggle. Many people are often looked down on because they don't fit what society declares as "normal". What is even more depressing is that some people don't fully realize when they make a comment "your artwork is trash and your not important" that those words do hurt. It's not constructive criticism but rather harmful to someone who's self-esteem has already taken a beating. More so when these kinds of comments come from people of the same faith. Those kinds of comments cut deep into the soul. We should be doing what we can do build people up and be encouraging as we can. Not make less than subtle jabs that minimize the value of someone. It is just a total lack of understanding and compassion. We should do more to encourage those around us. To fuel the creative fires of our talents. No matter what path we take with that. If it is for the Glory of God then we should be very supportive. It is one thing to offer up constructive criticism. To help make someone better. But it is something else to be out right mean and extremely judgmental. When that artist has a disability or other struggle such as anxiety or depression that harsh judgement can weaken someone's resolve and make them feel down right worthless.

That is what happens to me. For a bit of time I feel worthless and degraded. It is a very raw feeling when someone puts you down. Even when you have come to expect this from some people. Perhaps we should put more of a focus on trying to build people up. Instead of breaking them apart. Even if we disagree with what they are doing.

Thanks for reading. Till Next Time.

-JM

Look Into History: Season 9

Season 9 (2008-2009): When I look back on the history of my work this one was really the starting point of a style I used for a good number of years. The first full "flat roof". First use of custom built "roof tiles". Along with my first attempt at a double bell tower. You will notice that grid isn't the normal one that I use now days. The center section is wider than the edges because of the way I set the grid up. At the time I was still experimenting with things. Over the course of seasons changes take time to fully be realized from the initial concept. This was a starting point that opened up a lot of ideas. Some that get revisited years down the road.

While Seasons 1-5 were built in Flushing, MI. Seasons 6-8, were built at my first apartment in Saginaw. Season 9 was the first one to be built at my second (and still current) apartment. I had a lot more space to work. Along with a secondary location to take the project when finished.

I think any time I do a project I often wonder what would I do differently. But to be rather honest each work still stands on it's own. Mistakes in the build happen. Sometimes I catch them. Sometimes I don't. But with every building you notice that something is out of place or a vision not fully realized. Season 9 has a few issues. But that is the nice thing about The Project is that for me it is very much a learning experience. A chance to tell that story that often times needs to be told.

Thanks for reading. Till Next Time.

-JM

Season 19: "The Second Prayer"

This year Season 19 is dedicated to three important causes: Prayer for Vocations. Prayer for disability awareness. Prayer for The most innocent.

Today we focus on Prayer for Disability Awareness: We all face challenges in our lives. Some of us face disabilities or other chronic challenges. They effect how we interact with the world around us. How others interact with us.

Lord, help us to show compassion and empathy to those around us. That we would seek a better understanding of the challenges that are faced by those who have some kind of disability or other struggle. Amen.

Till Next Time

-JM

Season 19 "The First Prayer"

This year Season 19 is dedicated to three important causes: Prayer for Vocations. Prayer for disability awareness. Prayer for The most innocent.

Today we focus on Prayer For Vocations: Answering the call to Holy Orders is not an easy one. The number of active priests has dropped off a lot over the years. What you see in this picture is a reflection and a prayer that more would open up their hearts and answer God's call. The Three Priests: One who represents one who is actively serving. One who represents the senior priests who still help out when they can. The last one is one who has just been ordained.

Lord open our hearts that we may answer the call to serve the faith in any way that we are able to. Amen.

Till Next Time

-JM