v. to exchange something for money
Nathan Sawaya’s art sells for more than $10,000.
concept
n. an idea of what something is
He derived this concept from pictures and children’s drawings of the city after the storm.
lawyer
n. a person who helps people in matters relating to the law
Up until 2004, he was a lawyer in New York.
contest
n. a competition
That year, he entered and won a LEGO-building contest.
enthusiasm
n. a feeling of excitement and passion about something
Sawaya was doing well as a lawyer, but he didn’t have much enthusiasm for his job.
job
n. the task that someone has to work
Sawaya was doing well as a lawyer, but he didn’t have much enthusiasm for his job.
finish
v. to reach the end of something
People can see his finished art and watch him make new art, too.
metal
n. a substance that has a shiny appearance such as gold
However, he doesn’t work with paint or metal.
build
v. to make something by putting together parts or materials
Sawaya builds 3D models using the small bricks that most people think are children’s toys.
brick
n. a small, hard block, usually made of baked clay
Sawaya builds 3D models using the small bricks that most people think are children’s toys.
giant
adj. very large
He has made things like a giant pencil and a portrait of his own face with LEGO bricks.
portrait
n. a painting, drawing, or photograph of a person’s head and shoulders
He has made things like a giant pencil and a portrait of his own face with LEGO bricks.
victim
n. a person who has been attacked, harmed, or killed
One very special model for Sawaya is one he made for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
hurricane
n. a large storm with extremely powerful wind and rain
One very special model for Sawaya is one he made for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
derive
v. to take, make, or receive from a source
He derived this concept from pictures and children’s drawings of the city after the storm.