Barely managed to scrape this up. I managed to get this done in about 3 days, so it is a relief to finally get it posted. For those of you who don't know, this is an entry for the MOCOlympics, a tournament style contest that features builders in head to head competitions against each other. This is built for the qualifying round in the category "Ring of Fire". My take on the category is a scene from the movie "Finding Nemo". You can refer to the video to see the connection of this creation to the category.
I really enjoyed working outside of my typical landscapes. Even when forced into a contest, I always try to build into my strengths of landscapes. I am approaching these games with a bit different mindset; I am more focused on getting better than I am on winning or doing well. We'll see how long that mindset lasts...
I was really struggling with thoughts for the category, until I remembered one of the best animated movies to ever be made, Finding Nemo. I absolutely adore this movie, and was delighted to find a connection to a category. Each individual fish was difficult to make (I am really inexperienced at drawing out creatures' personalities) but the final results blend together in a whimsical, artistic fashion that is much better than I had originally planned or hoped for.
Well, I hope you fellas like it!
This fish is my favorite of them all. I think I managed to capture his face moderately well, but the recognizable mouth is what really tickles me about him.
Finally, here is a picture of the built in light accessory. I built it so that it could be turned on and off with a mere touch of a button on the outside. The engineering and mechanics is actually quite complex.
Well fellas, there she is. Thanks a ton for all your support! Please be sure to leave a comment to let me know what you thought. Constructive criticism is welcome as always, but be mindful that this was a 3 day creation. :P
And as always, SOLI DEO GLORIA!
-Blake
PS In anticipation of my upcoming battles, I will be getting my warpaint on. :D
wow! I only seen parts of nemo, but, this looks fantastic! the trans clear for underwater air? so neat, fabulous piece! I wonder...on your main page you say your going in urbanisation, but, you only did a house, why not a city? I d figure you love urbanisation, you d do city...? as I m going a bit castle with meedass, I find castle easier, is it why you prefer castle? I can t wait for your reaction to meedass, lol.
Excellent designs on the fish characters. I really like the rising steam effect. The light up effect was definitely worth your trouble. All around excellent creation.
This build is truely amazing!! Colors, water aspect, fishes of all kind, sea-grass, everything is very inventive and accurate to the movie. Impressive!!
BUBBLES! BUBBLES! MY BUBBLES! Flat-out gorgeous. All the fish are instantly recognizable, and the (million) trans blue studs are very effective as water.
Eh, it's ok. LOL! Man, save some for the coming rounds, will ya? Then again, seeding can really make the difference, so I think you've positioned yourself nicely for a strong run. Good luck!~H
First off: when Lennaert (my oldest son) was younger, he loved this movie. He's seen it a gazillion times, so I might call myself an expert at this case. And you know what? You've pulled it off brilliantly. The colors sparkle just like they should, the plastic plants look wavy and vivid, the bubbles are actually there and the parts usage is phenomenal. You've even managed to squeeze Nemo's little fin in, wich at this scale is remarkable. You keep this level of skill up and we're all in for a cold shower; but thank you so much for making this anyway. A baffled Lennaert & Gio.
So cool, Blake. I am such a fan of your work. Everything you build should be in store window. I love this one because of my own love of this movie, and the fact that you were able to represent it so well. Expressions are so hard to capture in LEGO, but the accuracy to the coloration of each is simply stunning. My favorite is Jacques. He is perfect. Well done, Blake, and good luck in the MOCOlympics.
Beautifully done Blake! Loving all of the little characters and the interesting scenery. The fish are exceptional for the size. I plan to build some fish when I get bored of the birds :-) Best of luck for the rest of the competition, you don't need it now, you'll swimm through to round two with this! Can't wait to see more of your out of the box builds!
You mis-interpret my phrase, I meant that even if you don't consider the obvious similarity with the studs that there are still many more subtle similarities. :) Again, excellent work!
Quoting LukeClarenceVan The Revanchist
Was this at all influenced by LegoHaulic? I see many similarities in style, even dis-regarding the swarm of studs.
You've already heard many of my thoughts in your Flickr post, but I'll see if I can't add some more on MOCpages. I like that you're venturing out of your comfort zone, it's lead to a really unique and well composed MOC. However, while the artist in me is amazed, the builder in me is a bit underwhelmed by the stud-spread technique, despite its undeniable effectiveness. Still, that's being nit-picky, and whatever looks best should be used. Was this at all influenced by LegoHaulic? I see many similarities in style, even dis-regarding the swarm of studs. In any event, this is an amazingly well balanced MOC, and surely your ticket to round two. Best of luck!
Really nice work on this, and a great way to interpret the category. Excellent designs for those fish, and an amazing job of portraying the scene, especially at this scale!
Amazing! It has such a fantastical atmosphere! It all looks great together! The light up feature is also cool. I have to ask though, is there a base uderneath part of it? Underneath the fish and seaweed? :)
Excellent job Blake! The fish all look perfect, and the scene is very colorful. I'm sure you'll have no issues getting into round 2! Best of luck with the judges!
This is a great take on the category Blake! Those fish must have been fun to build. All of the aquarium accessories (such as the ascending/descending diver) really add to the atmosphere. Good luck!
Yet again Blake, another amazing creation. The volcano is quite stunning, and your fish are amazing as well. Good luck with the judges! Hopefully, I will see you in round 2!
This creation is FANTASTIC!!! Excellent work, my friend! Outstandingly brilliant use of parts and a nice idea for the Ring of Fire category. I saw the title and then the picture and laughed knowing that it would be great!
We have a winner! I wish I could do this in 3 days, my entry took me 5 days + photo editing... If I get any further, this is going to be a problem I think! You really perfectly captured this hilarious scene, every fish is a masterpiece and I love your use of colors. It's colourful yet coherent, something I always admire. Best of luck!
Hahaha, someone beat me to "Sharkbait! Hoo ha!". Really nice representation of the individual characters and lots of colour. Love the shrimp, probably my favourite. Great job, well done and good luck!
Congrats Blake, this creation is breathtaking!
I like to see people who experiment with new styles, and bring into play themselves, and their creativity. This is not for all. You are an example for all Mocpages, my friend.
Fantastic creation!
Yep, pretty much what I expected... always knew there was something fishy about your builds, I mean, one can only be so awesome at this right? ;) Great work as usual Blake :) ~Thoy
Awesome! I wonder, is there a base plate under this, or did you just build the islands and fill in the empty spots with blue bricks? Also, is your sig-fig wearing war paint?
A very picturesque build with bright and cheer colors. I love the under water feel, especially with the bubbles from the volcano. So many studs!
-LB Senior
