What’s up builders? More interviews are coming at ya.
Today’s interview is with Jordan Neidert, winner of Best Small Scale at NYCC. He won the title with his diorama “A Bridge Too Far”.
How did you first get into Gunpla? How long have you been building?
I got in to Gunpla when I was about 14 years old, and ironically, I hated the idea of building model kits. I only discovered my love for them after one day I accidentally purchased a wing gundam model from a flea market vendor and decided to assemble it out of boredom while waiting for my mother to finish shopping. I was hooked ever since, and while I've been building for about eight years now, I've only been painting, and doing more intensive work for three.
What was the inspiration for your entry? Could you tell us about your concept?
My concept for my entry is that it is placed around the end of the one year war. Most of Zeon's bases have fallen and are under control of the Federation. This piece shows off two confused Zeon units that are mostly out of ammunition and are attempting to find their way home after trudging through a river bed. The title of the diorama actually came from my Girlfriend who is a huge war buff and suggested the title from an old war film she likes, but the title fits very well since they've crossed just one bridge too far in to enemy territory as a rogue Guncanon unit intercepts them.
Is there a style or theme or signature type of build that defines you? What is it?
I'd say my style is very small modifications while trying to maintain an older style of Gunpla, the way it used to be done. A lot of modelers nowadays are obsessed with adding as many panels, scribe lines, and details on to kit as possible. And that's fine, I enjoy seeing those styles, but it's not for me per say. I like models with broad, open spaces that I can apply large, shaded gradients to that reflect a lot of the pieces you see in older modeling magazines, Gunpla weapons books, etc. I also usually always weather my models to be chipped and have streaking effects to some extent. I like to blend the lines of realistic and anime style weathering to all my pieces.
What was the build process like? Did you use any unconventional materials or techniques?
The build process for this was very quick actually, and a bit hectic. I did all the work for this in under a month and most of the work took place over the week right before GBWC. This is only the second diorama I've ever made and a lot of the techniques used I did last year, aside from using water. I've never used water effects before and I did run in to some trouble with them. The original water I poured in to the water bed actually leaked out everywhere, I tried using tape to mask it off cleanly and that did NOT work. After most of it drained I learned that it wouldn't have cured in time anyway by some helpful modeler friends, so I went out and purchased clear resin and poured that in, which did the trick. I also used real dirt for all of the dirt applied here. I had to bake it, crush it and sift it through a makeshift sifter to get the fine grit I need. The landscape is also molded and carved from floral foam and a thin layer of plaster applied over it.
Is there a style or theme or signature type of build that defines you? What is it?
I'd say weathered and shaded builds are what define my style. All my models usually end up with an older look to them, similar what you'd see in the 90s and early 2,000s. I like to focus on mobile suits from the earlier end of the U.C. spectrum and usually do units that would be involved in ground combat.
You have now placed in the GBWC at least twice! How do you rate yourself between this year and your previous wins?
I can definitely say I've improved over the past year not just model making wise but from the diorama aspect as well. I've attempted new things this year I was afraid of last year and I really wanted to push myself to learn new things. I've learned a lot more about mods and scratch building, scribing and adding details where needed. Overall my style has stayed the same but I can see where I've improved and learned new skills over the past year.
What part of building (in general) do you enjoy the most?
That's a difficult question. My favorite part of modeling comes between the initial snapping of a kit, to the part where you put the painted, decaled, and flat coated model together for the first time. I love taking the flat coated chunks of models off the skewers and assembling it for the final time. But other than assembly, I'd have to say weathering. Weathering for me let's you tell a story with your units. You get to imagine where they've been, what terrain they've trudged through, how skilled the pilots are, etc. It gives my models character and life in a way, letting them have a story, and I think that's a very important thing about art in general, telling a story.
What’s your favorite Gundam series? Favorite mobile suit?
My favorite series, is probably the original. But I love the U.C. timeline story as a whole. (0079-0094) And crossbone if we're counting manga.. (Please animate crossbone) MY favorite Gundam is the Full Armour Gundam from the MSV series.
Name another builder who motivates you to further your skill or is a rival in competitions. What is it about this builder that makes you want to give it your all?
The two builders who motivate me more than anyone would have to be Henry (Vegeta8259) and Geremi (Habushu Plamo.) While I look up to and feel rivalries with many builders, these two have always lit the fire inside me to push myself to the maximum and go beyond it. Henry was my teacher, someone whom I looked up to for years even before I began building and eventually he passed down all of his old tools to me, and essentially taught me everything I know about gunpla. He always has a calm attitude towards gunpla and shows it off more as an art form than anyone to me and showed me a new side of it that I never knew. It was a truly amazing moment to meet with him and be able to stand together and victors this year at GBWC. Geremi is essentially my twin. We're from different families but we share the same age, same birthday and share the love of similar mobile suits. Geremi has always pushed me to improve and encouraged me to try new things. His kindness and willingness to help me build and share his extra parts is something I can always rely on and he always keeps me on my toes. It's inspiring how quick he learns new skills and reminds me to step it up whenever Im falling behind. While Henry is my teacher and Geremi is my twin, they're both my rivals and are both just great and inspiring people to look up to.
What is a cool trick or tip that you can share with other builders?
A trick or tip to share with other builders would be to never let this hobby stress you out too much. If you ever feel like you're being stressed out by gunpla, take a break. Relax. Put the kits away for a few days and come back. You can't rush art, it takes time. It's a better idea to go back and re-do something or wait than to rush it and be unsatisfied later on.
Anything else you’d like to say? Any interesting facts?
I'd just like to say to anyone reading this to please never give up or be discouraged about building Gunpla. Never be afraid to feel passion or emotions flowing through you that Gundam gives you. It is an amazing hobby and an amazing franchise that has brought myself and many others together over the years and it's something magical and unlike anything I've ever known. Never be afraid to try new things, and always build with your heart.
Thank you very much for interviewing me, and for taking the time to do such awesome incredible work for us fans in the USA for Gunpla. Three cheers for you guys! ~(˘▾˘~)
