Liang Yao
About you
What is your name?
Liang Yao
Which country are you from?
China
How old are you?
38
About your LEGO passion
How did you get into building with LEGO bricks, especially building your own creations?
One day, ten years ago, I was wandering around a mall with my partner, looking for a proper gift for a friend’s kid. We eventually settled on a small LEGO Classic creative box. I remember saying, “I wouldn’t mind having one for myself!”
A few weeks later, I found the same set hidden under my bed. I’ve started building random creations ever since.
What kind of creations do you love building the most, and why?
LEGO pieces form shapes easily, provide a rich color palette, and most importantly, have distinct and iconic textures. To me, LEGO bricks are a fascinating medium for visual art. There are endless possibilities I’ve yet to explore.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring LEGO builders, what would it be?
Build things that matter to you the most.
How does it feel to have your work exhibited here at LEGO House - Home of the Brick?
It was a big surprise when I received the invitation. I used to hang or stack my LEGO paintings at home, and I was terrible at social media, so they were only seen by very few people. Now they’ve been recognized by LEGO House - Home of the Brick, and will have the chance to reach a much larger audience. It is truly an honor.
What’s next for you in your LEGO journey—any upcoming projects or dreams?
My LEGO painting journey will continue under the concept “seeing with bricks”. One of the major themes will be portraits of family and friends.
Portraits are always challenging yet rewarding. They not only convey rich messages but also help me build better connections with people. I will attempt larger-scale works, and hopefully, they will one day be featured in a themed exhibition.
Do you have a personal LEGO portfolio website or social media profile that you can share?
You can find more of my LEGO designs on https://www.instagram.com/huanhuan.works/.
About your LEGO creation(s) on display
Title
Self Portrait
Can you describe your model and what it represents?
Before attempting this self-portrait, I had built quite a few small LEGO paintings, but I was not very satisfied with those early works. Without any formal art education, I realized that I needed to make up for some basic art lessons.
So, I turned to some self-teaching materials, one of which was the renowned book “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” by Betty Edwards. From her book I learned that drawing is essentially about observing and perceiving. There are exercises throughout the book that train us to trust and record what we truly observe.
There is an ultimate exercise at the end of the book, a self-portrait. Betty chose this subject because many people consider it one of the most difficult drawing tasks, but she disagrees. She believes that all subjects are equally difficult. If you honestly record what you perceive, rather than put down stereotypical symbols from memory, your self-portrait will surprise you.
I took her advice and completed the self-portrait exercise using LEGO pieces as my drawing medium. The experience was highly rewarding. It gave me confidence that I could make beautiful and unique LEGO art.
How long did it take you to build?
It took 1 month to design and build.
Approximately how many LEGO elements did you use?
Approximately 653 pieces.
Title
Lisbon, Framed
Can you describe your model and what it represents?
I visited Lisbon, Portugal a couple years ago. It is a city of unique charm. Its historic center is filled with buildings of a distinct style, nestled on a series of hills. For those who wish to avoid the climb, trams, funiculars, and lifts provide a scenic and convenient way to reach the hilltops. From there, you can stroll down at a leisurely pace and let the steep path guide you to neighborhoods of different characters.
Along the routes, you’ll encounter several famous viewpoints offering stunning panoramas of the city. My personal favorite is the Miradouro das Portas do Sol. You can see from there hundreds of white-walled, orange-roofed houses cascading down the hillside – a breathtaking view that inspired me to create this LEGO painting “Lisbon, Framed”..
How long did it take you to build?
It took 3 weeks to design and build.
Approximately how many LEGO elements did you use?
Approximately 1624 pieces.
Title
My Canvas Sneakers
Can you describe your model and what it represents?
Most days of the year, you’ll find me wearing the same pair of canvas sneakers.
They’re always black and white, a classic look that goes perfectly with blue jeans, gray sidewalks, green grass, and fallen autumn leaves. They have to be canvas, low-top, and soft-soled. They're so light and comfortable that it feels like wearing nothing at all. They’re flexible for every occasion. I walk in them, bike in them, and even go on light hikes in them. As long as the rain isn’t too heavy, they’ll hold up just fine.
Every day, I see the same familiar view when I look down at my feet. I’ve observed it, photographed it, and finally turned it into this LEGO Painting - “My Canvas Sneakers”.
How long did it take you to build?
It took 2 weeks to design and build.
Approximately how many LEGO elements did you use?
Approximately 1012 pieces.
Title
The Grand Theatre
Can you describe your model and what it represents?
The Shanghai International Film Festival takes place in June every year. During the 10 days, cinemas are the most visited places for film lovers.
Among all the cinemas in Shanghai, the Grand Theatre is my favorite. Hungarian architect L. E. Hudec designed its beautiful Art Deco facade in the 1930s. When night falls, the entire building is illuminated, and a magnificent event poster is featured. Trees rustle in the summer breeze. Crowds of people come and go. What a glamorous scene!
How long did it take you to build?
It took 3 weeks to design and build.
Approximately how many LEGO elements did you use?
Approximately 749 pieces.
Title
Nocturne
Can you describe your model and what it represents?
The Bund is the riverfront landmark of Shanghai, my home city. Buildings in this historic district are heavily influenced by European architectural styles. At night, warm lights illuminate the building facades, creating a visual icon of the city.
While a close-up view is popular, seeing the Bund from a different perspective can be equally captivating. The quiet promenade on the east bank, across the river, offers a panoramic view of the Bund from a distance.
One evening last year, after visiting a nearby museum, I took a short walk along that east bank promenade and noticed a lady resting alone against the fence. She was gazing at the HSBC building, one of the most recognizable architectures across the river. Her light green skirt complemented the fence nicely, just as the rippling water enhanced the golden facade.
That moment feels like a beautiful nocturne that I will remember for years
How long did it take you to build?
It took 2 weeks to design and build.
Approximately how many LEGO elements did you use?
Approximately 1039 pieces.