The Yavin Project
The Yavin Project was the first of the three main Star Wars-inspired, multimedia projects I undertook. Production began in February 2015, with the work over the three main projects and one micro-project spanning the nine months prior to the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens on December 17th, 2015.
The project began as an attempt to bring together all my modes of work, a broad spectrum covering prop, costume, photography, visual effects and creative writing. The Star Wars Universe was my first and most significant entry into the world of pop culture, and the vast expanse of its universe and influence stayed with me throughout the years as I cut my teeth in the prop hobby.
Each photo-set drew heavily from a theme and represented a duality found in the Star Wars Universe.
This first photo-set, named after the original homeworld of the Sith, was influenced by the monastic Jedi Order. I sought to represent two versions of the Jedi as we know them: the philosophical monk of peace, and the warrior and peacekeeper of the galaxy - two conflicting manifestations of the same ideal.
The traditional Jedi is garbed in heavyweight cottom robes, sewn together into a simple, three-layered tunic and robe. Heavily influenced by the Japanese kamishimo worn by the Samurai, the robes were deceptively complex in structure, requiring close measurements to ensure a comfortable fit. The belt was made of lightweight leather, and simple brown leather boots topped off the earthen tones of the entire ensemble.
The unconventional, utilitarian Jedi is garbed in a vague semblance of his monastic background. Under the layers of earth-colored tunics and breathable cotton dust coat is a layer of composite armor, which adorns his forearms as protective bracers. The black leather used on the belt and the boots are rugged, of a reptilian-hide texture and the robe serves as camouflage in the forest terrain as much as it protects the warrior from the elements.
Both lightsabers, as well as the numerous others throughout the projects and client-commissioned builds, are machined from 6061 aluminium, complete with a strong, high-powered LED driving through a polycarbonate blade. The hilt designs were selected alongside the characters and their outfits, to create as seamless and complete a visage as possible. The Monk carries an elegant hilt adorned with leather, while the Peacekeeper carries two rugged, battle-worn blades.
Monk Jedi Model: Barry LeMesurier
Peacekeeper Jedi Model: Jeremy Edjan
Photographer: Shannon Ding
Approximate Build Time: 92 Hours
