Rememebering Chewbacca

You may have heard by now that we lost Peter Mayhew earlier this week. For most of us, Peter is interchangeable with the character he brought to life in Star Wars, Chewbacca. It is fair to say that Chewbacca is Peter Mayhew and Peter Mayhew is Chewbacca. I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Peter several times over the years. The first being when I worked at a comic shop in the early/mid-90s. Back then you could have actors from Star Wars come to your shop to do appearances and signings. I, of course, got my Chewbacca figure signed. Back then the signatures were free. Peter was quick with a story and a kind word. I don't often meet people that are taller than me, but Peter was a full foot taller than me, and it was quite the experience to be around someone so large. It was easy to see why Wookiees are so formidable. In the years since then, Peter has been a guest at various events I was working or was a guest at myself. He remained a singular figure until the end.

Since becoming an artist, I had the opportunity to illustrate Chewbacca twice for the Fantasy Flight Star Wars games. It meant a lot for me to take on the challenge of painting Chewie since he holds a special place in our household. I did all that I could to capture Peter and Chewie in my paintings. In the end, I think the second painting was a better likeness, but who am I so say. It was an honor to paint Chewbacca, and I hope I did the character justice.

We lost a legend this week, but we did not loose Chewbacca. He will always be with us, no one is ever really gone. Joonas Suotamo has picked up the torch and has been doing a great job filling Chewies shoes.

Here are the two illustrations of Chewbacca that I created for the Fantasy Flight games.

Chewbacca

Imperial Assault Winter Organized Play Kit

11 x 14 - Acrylic and pencil on board

Art Director - Deb Freytag

Original - SOLD

© 2015 Lucasfilm, Ltd. TM Lucasfilm, Ltd. Under license to Fantasy Flight Games

Chewbacca
Star Wars LCG - 2016 Store Championship Kit
11 x 14 - Acrylic and pencil on board
Art Director - Taylor Ingvarsson
Original - SOLD
© 2016 Lucasfilm, Ltd. TM Lucasfilm, Ltd. Under license to Fantasy Flight Games

That's all for another exciting week on the blog, see you back here next week! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com