Becky Bliss
Becky Bliss
Play Well brooch. Reinterpreted Lego form. Corian, silver.
Artist statement
Play Well
I’m thinking about recent weather events, infrastructure, and the instability of democracy.
Lego is a collaborative game. Now more than ever we need to play well together.
Fun Facts
Lego was founded in 1932 by Danish Ole Kirk Kristiansen. Originally called ’automatic binding bricks’ they were made of wood.
After 2 years they were renamed LEGO after the Danish phrase leg godt (“play well”).
In 1949 LEGO produced its first plastic brick, a precursor to its signature brick with interlocking studs on the top and tubes on the bottom. It was patented in 1958 by Christiansen’s son Godtfred Kirk, who replaced his father as the head of the company.
The brick has stayed the same since it was patented (Wikipaedia)
They’ve kept up with the times by creating what’s topical for kids; Star Wars, Batman, Marvel Comics superheroes, Harry Potter and Batman, but not until now have they addressed social issues.
Lego aims to make all its products including packaging, from renewable or recycled materials by 2025, and will be able to be recycled. I’m wondering what’s taken them so long.
Bio
Becky Bliss is a Wellington-based artist. She graduated from Whitireia New Zealand in 2010 with a Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAppA) specialising in contemporary jewellery.
She was a participant in Handshake 1, 3, 5 and 7, as well as HandShake alumni exhibitions, and an exhibitor in Schmuck 2015 and 2020 in Munich. She has exhibited widely in Aotearoa and internationally.
She is in collections at Te Papa Tongarewa, The Dowse Art Museum, Auckland War Memorial Museum, and several private collections.
Her current works look at social issues such as global warming, fair pay and equal employment opportunities.
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