Lechuga creates cameras of a different kind

Lechuga, 41, has come up with a series of 30 sculptures of cameras made from wood and crystal resin that illustrate the many design possibilities. These sculptures are currently on show in an exhibition titled SteamPunk Cameras at The Camera Museum Penang located along Muntri Street in George Town. 

Lechuga said it was the first time these pieces were on display and he had been waiting almost a decade for the opportunity. 

“I fell in love with cameras at a young age and my dream had always been to create new forms of cameras. Besides form and functionality, I also want them to be beautiful.At the age of 18, I fell in love with a beautiful photographer. I created a camera based on an analog Minolta as a gift for her,” said Lechuga, who ultimately did not get the girl,” he said at the opening of the exhibition recently. 

The love affair began during his childhood years when his father gave him an old flashgun. He connected some batteries to it and the subsequent light it emitted sparked a lifelong passion. 

All his pieces are inspired by actual cameras and handmade with pieces of wood that are cut and glued, or resin that is cast in moulds. Metal, cork and plastic are also used while some are painted.

“Their designs also represent the good and bad moments in my life. I keep improvising them as just like dancing, you have to express yourself in the moment,” said Lechuga, who hails from the city of Queretaro.

He also worked as an electronics engineer before taking a break a few years back to concentrate on his interest full-time..star online