easyrider lego kit

In the last few weeks I have been getting together with former students and friends to see them before I depart for North Carolina. Today Bryan Cera came past my studio and brought me a going away gift. 

Bryan made this entire Lego "Easyrider" pizza cutter kit, and created the packaging, and instructions as a one off set for yours truly. I simply was blown away and just couldn't believe that he had created this for me! I can't wait for Bryan to do a blog post about his techniques for making this kit along with sourcing the parts. 

As I think about the number of people I have connected with during my time in Milwaukee, Bryan is on a short list of people that have had a profound impact on me. I am so lucky to have students who I get to interact with on a daily basis and it is such a pleasure to be able to call a few of those students my closest friends when the classes are completed and they've graduated. I am always amazed at how the driven students push me to discover new things and to advance my own skill set. Bryan was always one of those students that pushed me forward through the things he was discovering in his on work. I have told Bryan that I believe his presence around my studio and in our graduate program actually created the perfect storm for the Digital Craft Research Lab to be developed.

I'm not even able to put into words how much Bryan's friendship means to me and the respect I have for his knowledge and abilities. I've been fortunate enough to witness his growth as an artist/maker and to see him develop into an amazing teacher. He is truly a gifted individual who I respect immensely. I will miss seeing Bryan and having great discussions in my studio, but I can't wait to see him grow in his new position at the Alberta College of Art and Design.

Thank you, Bryan for this kind and generous gift. It is so special to receive something like this that has had such time and thought poured into it. So amazing!