Star Wars Artist Month canvasses the entire galaxy for the brightest and most creative. Sometimes that search takes us into the professional realm, sometimes into the fan realm, and sometimes BOTH!
Russell Walks has soared with this masterful works but he’s always been close to the fan community. In 2002 I was at Celebration II and he walked up to the 501st table and presented me with a gorgeous original of a Stormtrooper with the simple slogan of “501” beneath it. He said “I respect what you guys do and it inspired me. Please add this to your archives.” I was blown away. Who does this?! Amazing and so gracious. Bu that’s Russell. He’s so nice and so cool you wonder if he knows just how elite his work is? Well, we’re here to say it: his work is elite. And we are so thankful for him and what he’s given us.
BIO:
Although his original career goals included both becoming bionic and joining Starfleet, Russell Walks eventually decided that his destiny lay along another path, and chose art school over adventure.
Since beginning his career as a professional illustrator, Walks has created art based on licensed properties for clients including Lucasfilm, Paramount, Marvel and DC, while his award-winning children’s themed work has appeared in a variety of books and magazines.
Walks is also a successful painter; his personal work has won both regional and national acclaim, and hangs in private collections throughout the world.
Currently living in Montana, Walks spends his days drawing, painting and counting himself lucky that he actually gets paid for doing what he loves.
Why Star Wars:
Because for me, Star Wars is about more than laser blasts and lightsabers. It’s about friendship and honor and nobility. It’s about doing the right thing, even when it’s hard, for no other reason than because it is the right thing. It’s about following one’s bliss, and finding the one thing you’re made to do, and then putting in the work necessary to do it well.
And ultimately – for me – Star Wars is about the idea that it is never too late – That there is always an opportunity for redemption.
My Favorite Pieces:
It’s hard for me to pick favorites – Each finished piece is special to me, and I try to love them for what they are, flaws and all. That said, I really, really love working in the classic Star Wars universe. I guess the original movies speak to me the loudest, and working with those characters is like spending time with old friends.
http://russellwalks.com/for-sale
Inquiries for pieces that do not appear on the for-sale site: http://russellwalks.com/contact
Many thanks to our partners at Jedi News, Fantha Tracks, Rebel Scum, Force.Net, and Bantha Bricks for supporting SWAM 2020 and sharing our posts. What a great way to share the magic of the art community! Check them out and see just how big the galaxy really is!
