Meet the LEGO MASTERS USA contestants: Sam and Jessica

Brick Fanatics is speaking to the LEGO MASTERS USA contestants to find out more about them and their passion for the hobby. Sam and Jessica are bringing artistic flair and toy design know-how to the contest

LEGO MASTERS USA is about to begin. Some of the best builders in the US are competing to see who will receive the title of LEGO MASTERS as they face tough challenges that will push their building ability to the limit.

Brick Fanatics is speaking to the builders who have their sights on the ultimate LEGO prize to get to know them better. In this exclusive interview, Sam and Jessica – whose team name is ‘The Eccentrics’ – discuss their LEGO hobby.

What is your LEGO background?

Sam: I started building at a very young age. My parents gave me sets way above my age grade – my first set was 367 Space Module that still had the buildable big figures. I had many sets that had the minifigures before they had faces, arms or moveable legs.

Jessica: I’m a full-time professional multimedia artist and work with LEGO in my work. In the art world I’m known as Ragzy X, pop-scientist. The use of LEGO in my work stems from being told as a child I could not play with LEGO, because LEGO “was for boys.” As I faced many challenges in life, this resonated with me because it was the first time in my life I was told I couldn’t do something because I was female. The use of LEGO in my work symbolises building blocks in addition to the message that women can do anything.

What are your favourite types of models to build? Where do you do your building?

Sam: I tend to build organic shapes like large figures, animals, busts and mosaics. I have done very few buildings or vehicles.

Jessica: I’m a structural mosaic maker. Everything is made in my art studio, which I refer to as FACTORY X.

Do you collect LEGO sets and/or bricks?

Sam: I collect both. I love a lot of the sets, but I don’t keep many together. I only have 10228 Haunted House and 10257 Carousel built, the rest are sorted into my parts. I order pieces as needed for specific projects.

Jessica: Both. I take the sets apart and use them for the pieces I need in my artwork.

Do you have any other creative hobbies?

Sam: I have always been creative, I designed toys professionally for many years. I paint, sew, sculpt, write, draw and love working with my hands as much as possible.

Jessica: Being a full-time professional artist allows me to be creative, all of the time.

LEGO MASTERS will premiere on Fox in the USA on Wednesday, February 5 at 9.00pm ET/10.00pm PT.

More LEGO MASTERS USA coverage

LEGO MASTERS: The road to the USA

Episode reviews:
Episode 1: “Dream Park Theme Park”
Episode 2: “Space Smash Challenge”

Exit interviews:
Episode 1: No elimination
Episode 2: “Space Smash Challenge”

Meet the judges:
Jamie Berard
Amy Corbett

Meet the contestants:
Sam and Jessica
Krystle and Amie
Mel and Jermaine
Flynn and Richard
Boone and Mark
Manny and Nestor
Travis and Corey
Tyler and Amy
Jessie and Kara
Christian and Aaron

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