Starwars.com chats with artist Sarah Wilkinson about his process for turning a blank Hasbro Mighty Mugg into a stunning Jedi Shaak Ti.
Why did you want to participate in The Empire Muggs Back art project?
I wanted to participate in The Empire Muggs Back because I love Star Wars, and I like to think of myself as a crafty lady. I recently did a project where I got to draw on a 3-D surface, and I realized how fun and different it was. I don't get to play very much outside of my usual mediums, and this was an inspiring challenge. Not to mention the opportunity to be in the company of such talented artists!
What did you choose to do for your Mighty Mugg art piece?
I chose to do Shaak Ti for my Mighty Mugg. I've always been fascinated by her. She's a strong member of the Jedi Council, and I love the story of her escaping the dreaded Order 66. She is reflective and wise, but not slow to act when necessary. When coming up with a visual concept, I wanted to incorporate these admirable traits while also showcasing her feminine side. For this, I drew inspiration from the art of Alphonse Mucha, where layers of fabric and rich details flow and swirl. When I was coming up with sketches, I had the idea that she was going to an event, like a Diplomat's ball, so she is dressed with a touch more elegance than her Jedi robes.
What was your step-by-step process? What materials did you use?
First, I sprayed my Mighty Mugg with grey primer. I started out with sketches, lots of sketches of what I wanted her to look like. I also gathered reference and fabrics that I knew I wanted to use for her dress (Goodwill was great for working in this size!) Using a paper clay, I sculpted her horns, back tentacle and two smaller front tentacles. Next I drew on her face and started painting with acrylic paints. After that, I started cutting fabric for her dress. I sprayed her with a shiny sealant when I was done painting and then put her dress on. Then I put her on a metal base to give her more height. I wanted to push the regal look.
What were some of the challenges you faced while making your art piece?
The dress was difficult at times. I don't have much experience with making clothes, so it took a while to get the dress to ruffle and for the layers of fabric to lay how I wanted them. It was hard cutting fabric for something so small, and with no pattern for her dress, I ended up cutting most of the fabric after it was already on her! Eventually, it all worked out, I just had to be flexible in where I saw her dress going.
Why do you think Star Wars fans will love The Empire Muggs Back project?
Fans will love this project because it's a new vision from so many different artists and other talented folks. Everyone started out with the same white Mighty Mugg, and it is exciting to see all the different results!
The final Mighty Muggs art pieces will be on display at San Diego Comic-Con and on StarWars.com.
Stay tuned to StarWars.com for in-depth The Empire Muggs Back coverage, info on the online charity auction, Mighty Mugg crafting tips and artist profiles.
