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 armed with markers, paint brushes and glue guns to 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 Denise Vasquez about her process for turning a blank Hasbro Mighty Muggs figure into a special tribute to Star Wars collector and Lucasfilm Director of Fan Relations Steve Sansweet.
What did you choose to do for your Mighty Muggs art piece?
I had no clue how I was going to paint my Mighty Muggs figure. All I knew from the start was that I wanted to paint something unique; something that really inspired me! I didn't want to force it, so I started going through photos that I took during Star Wars Celebration IV, Star Wars Celebration Europe and Star Wars Celebration Japan. As soon as I came upon a photo of myself and Steve Sansweet at Star Wars Celebration Japan, I knew I had found my inspiration for my Mighty Muggs art.
There was Steve Sansweet in his Jedi kimono. I saw him as a Mighty Muggs in that robe and that was it! I had found my inspiration. Steve inspires me and I loved that robe he was wearing. Not to mention, after visiting Rancho Obi-Wan a few times, I've wanted to create a piece of art incorporating Steve Sansweet and Star Wars, so here was my opportunity.
Why did you want to participate in The Empire Muggs Back art project?
I was given the opportunity to be a part of this special project by Bonnie Burton at Lucasfilm who asked if I would like to paint a blank Mighty Muggs for an auction to benefit The Make-A-Wish Foundation. I am an artist with a cause and founder of WO+MEN 4 A CAUSE so I truly love doing anything I can for a cause! Given the opportunity to do something fun, creative, involving art, all for a good cause, I jumped on board.
What was your step-by-step process? What materials did you use?
I wanted to keep my Mighty Muggs art simple in keeping with my "Less Is More" style, yet still in the vein of the Mighty Muggs world. Once I determined that I was going to do Steve Sansweet for my Mighty Muggs art, I did a variety of preliminary sketches of how I was going to draw on Muggs. I ended up with a sketch that I was happy with, so I moved forward and began looking into what I needed to paint my Mighty Muggs. I went to the Mighty Muggs Forums online where I found discussions on problems people were having as well as some helpful hints.
First, I used a "Weatherbeater" Latex Primer, and a little sponge brush to paint it on evenly. I didn't want to use a "hair" brush because I didn't want to run the risk of having brush hairs painted into my Mighty Muggs. Once the Mighty Muggs was primed and completely dry, I used a #2 pencil to draw as I had sketched Steve Sansweet on my Mighty Muggs.
I used a variety of inexpensive acrylic paints: Liquitex, Americana and Palmer; and I used Robert Simmons Expressions paint brushes. Once my Mighty Muggs was dry, I completely covered my Mighty Muggs in gloss medium and varnish which provided a permanent and protective finish for surfaces painted with acrylics.
Why do you think Star Wars fans will love The Empire Muggs Back project?
Star Wars artists are constantly coming up with, and sharing, new ways to look at the Star Wars universe. I think Star Wars fans always love and appreciate the artists' creativity. The Empire Muggs Back project is an amazing circumstance where all of us artists were challenged to take our imaginations even a step further. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this; I really had fun!
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.
