Star Wars Characters Get Reimagined as Fictional Insects

Via Popularmechanics.com:

Star Wars, meet entomology. This imaginary series of bugs based on the sci-fi universe is absolutely incredible.

Brighton-based artist Richard Wilkinson created a stunning series of imaginary insects based on Star Wars characters. In Arhropoda Iconicus, recognizable characters become transformed into realistic, lifelike bugs, including Chewbecca, R2D2, Darth Vader and Han Solo trapped in amber.

Wilkinson has always been fascinated by natural history. “There is something about the way scientists categorized and classified the chaotic and vast world of nature that really resonates with me,” Wilkinson told Fast Company. What better way to celebrate the diversity and beauty of the natural world than to combine it with “the world of modern obsession” and pop culture?

After all, the desire to classify and identify exist just as much outside of science, like when fandoms grow around film, TV , movies, books, vehicles or toys. To create the illustrations, Wilkinson began by studying icons from Star Wars, and determining their most recognizable traits.

“Then I sketch a few ideas and then go to my entomology books and online collections for ideas of how they might translate into features of an insect,” he explained. Sometimes, he finds an insect that seems like the right fit. But just as often, he goes through an adjusting process, adapting the insect form to subtly showcase Star Wars characteristics.

Click below to see the full article.