The Bricktacular West Coast Modern Show
Paul Hetherington debuted his first solo Art Exhibition, The Bricktacular West Coast Modern Show, in 2023. This exhibition took place from May 5th until July 31st 2023 at the West Vancouver Memorial Library and from August 4-13, 2023 at Harmony Arts Festival.
This exhibition included eight replicas of West Vancouver west coast modern homes, two fantasy style models, and four 2 dimensional panels.
Hetherington worked on creating this show for two years. Research for this show included touring each home inside and out.
There were almost 400 people in attendance for the opening night of Paul’s Bricktacular West Coast Modern Show at the West Vancouver Memorial Library. West Vancouver Mayor, Mark Sager commenced the proceedings followed by speeches by Steph Hall, Hilary Letwin and Paul.
“I am humbled by the outpouring of excitement and praise for my LEGO recreations of local West Coast Modern homes. I want to thank: Douglas Coupland, for his vision. Hilary Letwin, Allison, Jay, Stacey and all the staff at the West Vancouver Art Museum for bringing this show and publication together. Thanks to all the homeowners for allowing me into their homes and for sharing their stories. Many thanks to Taren, Steph, Sara and all the staff at the West Vancouver Memorial Library for hosting this exhibition.”
Arthur Erickson
LEGO Eppich House 1 model
LEGO recreation of Architect Arthur Erickson's Eppich House 1 in West Vancouver B.C. This model was created for my 2023 Bricktacular West Coast Modern Show that was hosted by the West Vancouver Art Museum. The Eppich House 1 was built for Helmut and Hildegard Eppich in the 1970's. The home is constructed with concrete and is unique in it's terraced design. Later renovations were undertaken by Battersby Howat Architects. The LEGO model has three removable floor sections and features interior lighting. This model is now in possession of the home owners. Photography is by Blaine Campbell.
Arthur Erickson
Eppich House 2 LEGO model
LEGO recreation of Architect Arthur Erickson's Eppich House 2 in West Vancouver B.C. This model was created for my 2023 Bricktacular West Coast Modern Show that was hosted by the West Vancouver Art Museum. The Eppich House 2 was built for Hugo and Brigitte Eppich in the late 1980's. It's unique appearance is due to the steel beams that the Eppich's Ebco Industries fabricated for Arthur's original design. The LEGO model has two removable floor sections to reveal the 1st and 2nd floors. The design relies on the LEGO arch 1x6x3 1/3 Curved Top to achieve the streamlined shaping of the home. This model is now in possession of the home owners. Photography is by Blaine Campbell.
Arthur Erickson LEGO Smith House II
LEGO recreation of Architect Arthur Erickson's Smith House II in West Vancouver B.C. This model was created for my 2023 Bricktacular West Coast Modern Show that was hosted by the West Vancouver Art Museum. The Smith House II is one of the most famous examples of West Coast Modern architecture. It was constructed in 1964 for Marion and Gordon Smith. This model shows the home as it would have appeared in the 1960's, before the additions. The LEGO model has removable roof sections to reveal the detail interior including Gordon Smith's painting studio. Photography is by Blaine Campbell. blainecampbell.com. This model is available for sale in website store: paulhetheringtonartist.com
Fred Hollingsworth LEGO Sky Bungalow
LEGO recreation of Architect Fred Hollingsworth's Sky Bungalow in North Vancouver B.C. This model was created for my 2023 Bricktacular West Coast Modern Show that was hosted by the West Vancouver Art Museum. The Sky Bungalow was built in 1949 in the Hudson's Bay parking lot on Seymour Street to promote the Capilano Highlands development. The home was only allowed to use 3 parking stalls in the Bay lot so it was raised up so that The Bay's customers could still park underneath it. The home was moved to it's current site in North Vancouver in 1950. The LEGO model has removable roof sections to reveal the detailed interior. Photography is by Blaine Campbell.
Pink Palace
LEGO Villa Maris
LEGO recreation of the Villa Maris, more commonly known as the Pink Palace in West Vancouver, B.C. This model was created for my 2023 Bricktacular West Coast Modern Show that was hosted by the West Vancouver Art Museum. The Pink Palace was built in 1966 and has been a landmark on the West Vancouver coast ever since. It stands as one of West Vancouver's most recognizable buildings and is a fine example of the Miami Modern architecture movement. This model is now in possession of the owners of the building. Photography is by Blaine Campbell.
Paul Merrick
LEGO Merrick House
LEGO recreation of Architect Paul Merrick's Merrick House in West Vancouver B.C. This model was created for my 2023 Bricktacular West Coast Modern Show that was hosted by the West Vancouver Art Museum. The Merrick House is part tree fort, part hobbit house, and part genius carpenter eccentric. The home features 17 levels with a stunning 40 foot fireplace in a cathedral like living room. This home is truly one of a kind. This model was the most challenging home to recreate using LEGO bricks. The home famously has only one 45 degree angle and the rest are freeform making it difficult to replicate with the available LEGO element geometry. This model was a difficult but very enjoyable challenge. This model is now in possession of the home owners. Photography is by Blaine Campbell.
Froome-Rayher House
LEGO Lewis post-and-beam House
LEGO recreation of Architect Bob Lewis's Froome-Rahyer House in West Vancouver B.C.
This model was created for the 2023 Bricktacular West Coast Modern Show that was hosted by the West Vancouver Art Museum.
Bob Lewis was a prolific Home builder on the North Shore. He built hundreds Post and Beam homes, many in the style of West Coast Modern.
The LEGO model has removable roof sections to reveal the detailed interior. Photography is by Blaine Campbell.
BC Binning
LEGO Binning House
LEGO recreation of Architect and Artist BC Binning's Binning House in West Vancouver B.C. This model was created for my 2023 Bricktacular West Coast Modern Show that was hosted by the West Vancouver Art Museum. The Binning House is one of the earliest examples of the International Style built in West Vancouver. In 2001 it was designated a National Historic Site. The model features removable roof sections to reveal the interior including BC Binning's studio. The model features recreations of BC Binning's famous murals which were expertly rendered in miniature by Alex Saar. This model is now in possession of the home owner. Photography by: Blaine Campbell.
Googie
If you are a fan of architecture that was influenced by car culture, the space age and the atomic age then you are probably familiar with the term Googie. Googie architecture originated in Southern California and was popular among motels, gas stations and restaurants. Features of Googie include upswept roofs, curvilinear, geometric shapes, and bold use of glass, steel and neon. This poster celebrates Googie style. Grab a milk shake and burger and dive into all the fun futuristic details of the Comet Cafe! The model is lighted with Blinky Bricks lights.
Atomic Ranch
Atomic Ranch celebrates the optimism of the Atomic Age. A time in post war America where the future was bright and architecture and design mirrored that optimism. The dream of owning your own post and beam style rancher and a Detroit automobile were well within reach. The space age signaled in a new era and the future never seamed so bright. Of course there was a constant threat of nuclear annihilation, but you could always excavate your yard to make way for a fall out shelter. This was inspired by one of my favorite Mod style magazines; Atomic Ranch. A great resource for all your Mid-Century style needs. The model is lighted with Blinky Bricks lights.
Two Dimensional Panels
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May 2, 2023
North Shore News
April 24, 2023
The Vancouver Sun
2023
Global News
Canada
May 2023
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