Collectors and fans alike have a chance to own one-of-a-kind Star Wars art pieces while giving to a good cause with The Empire Muggs Back. Lucasfilm asked artists, comic book creators, toy designers, and celebrity fans to get out their markers, paint brushes and glue guns and transform blank Mighty Muggs (donated by Hasbro) into custom Star Wars art which will be auctioned by The Make-A-Wish Foundation.
StarWars.com chats with artist Camilla d'Errico about her process for turning a blank Hasbro Mighty Muggs figure into a special tribute to Oola.
What kind of art work are you known for?
I am a freelance comic artist, character creator and painter. I've worked with Dark Horse comics, Image comics and also self-published my own books. A lot of people know me for my Helmetgirls, Tanpopo and for my Pop Surrealism paintings.
What did you choose to do for your Mighty Muggs art piece?
I chose Oola, one of the Jabba the Hutt's Twi'lek slaves. I try to choose characters that you wouldn't expect -- the not so obvious ones. It has been fun to hear people's reactions when they see my piece -- especially because it strikes a chord in people's memories. Some get it in an instant, others have to jog their memories, and still others only get the "ah-hah" moment when I tell them who she is.
Why did you want to participate in The Empire Muggs Back art project?
I've been customizing vinyl figures for a little while and this project seemed like tons of fun because it was linked to the Star Warsempire, so the choices for being creative were so many. I couldn't pass it up!
What was your step-by-step process? What materials did you use?
I very simply painted the vinyl with my usual water soluble oils. I use the vinyl itself as a canvas, much like a painting. It is a different and 3-D canvas, of course, and I like the challenge.
Why do you think Star Wars fans will love The Empire Muggs Back project?
They'll love it because it is another way of celebrating Star Wars. It is another, very different, at extremely fun, way of revisiting the empire. And there is always something special about letting artists interpret their vision freely, without having to stay stuck to the style guide.
The Mighty Muggs art pieces are now up for auction and can be seen at The Empire Muggs Back on Starwars.com. The auction ends August 14, 2009.
Stay tuned to StarWars.com for in-depth coverage on The Empire Muggs Back.
