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 Rebecca Van Cleve about her process for turning a blank Hasbro Mighty Mugg into Ackbar Cereal from Robot Chicken: Star Wars.
What is your job at Shadow Machine -- the company that produces Robot Chicken?
I am a track reader and assistant animator at ShadowMachine Animation. I also work in puppets when I'm not doing the other two jobs.
What did you choose to do for your Mighty Mugg art piece?
I didn't actually choose Ackbar; it was a trap! No, just kidding! The Ackbar Robot Chicken sketches were always my favorite, that's really why I chose him.
What was your step-by-step process? What materials did you use?
I started by sculpting up the head and arms, placed him in the cereal bowl, sculpted the cereal and tentacle, then I primed and painted, and finally sewed his clothes and put together his belt (which is part of a bra strap). I used Magic Sculpt for the sculpting, muslin for the shirt, a bead for his badge, a spoon for the spoon, and a bowl for the bowl. I also used a combo of spray paint and acrylic.
What were some of the challenges you faced while making your art piece?
Mostly the time factor completing a sculpture in 7 days is more difficult than it sounds!
Why did you want to participate in The Empire Muggs Back art project?
It was a chance to have fun working on a creative project and it's for charity -- so that's a bonus!
Why do you think Star Wars fans will love The Empire Muggs Back project?
Because it's art by people who truly love and appreciate Star Wars the same way they do!
The final Mighty Muggs art pieces can be seen at at The Empire Muggs Back 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.
