Dutch artist behind washed-up Lego man

SIESTA KEY, Fla., Oct. 26 (UPI) -- An 8-foot-tall Lego man that washed up on Siesta Key Beach in Florida appears to be the work of a Netherlands artist.

The 100-pound Lego man, which bears the mangled message "NO REAL THAN YOU ARE" on its torso, was discovered Tuesday morning by Jeff Hindman as he was walking on the beach, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported Wednesday.

The sculpture, which is currently being held by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office and will be turned over to Hindman if it is not claimed within 90 days, matches similar Lego men that washed up in the Netherlands in 2007 and England in 2008.

The Siesta Key Lego man bears the name "Ego Leonard" on the back with the number 8.

The Herald-Tribune said Ego Leonard is the name of the Dutch artist, but it is unclear whether it is his real name. An e-mail request for comment was answered from the perspective of the Lego man.

"I am glad I crossed over. Although it was a hell of a swimm," Leonard wrote. "Nice weather here and friendly people. I think I am gonna stay here for a while. A local sheriff escorted me to my new home."