Illustrator and comic artist Graeme Neil Reid has created a special Star Wars print, with all proceeds going to Cancer Research UK.
The print sprang from participation in the annual #Inktober challenge, when artists post an artwork each day to their social media, highlighting their work, and having fun along the way – but Graeme felt he could put his latest creations to fundraising use, in memory of a friend.
“I was working on this years InkTober challenge, drawing 32 images from the original Star Wars trilogy,” he explains. “I’d often recall my friend Lindsay Gray, and his love of these classic sci-fi films. Unbelievably, it has been ten years since Lindsay left us after a battle with cancer. During his last weeks he was avidly watching the Tour de France, while building Lego Star Wars models. I wonder what he would have made of all the new Star Wars movies and TV shows? I’m sure he’d have loved them. Ten years… it doesn’t seem feasible.
“Having finished inking all these little portraits, I decided to make a print featuring all the art and so this is a very special one-off edition of that print that, with the blessing of Vic and Charlotte, Lindsay’s wife and daughter, I will be auctioning for Cancer Research UK in memory of him.”
All the art is recreated to the original size making this print, on 310gsm Hahnemühle German Etching paper, a rather large 48cm squared, that’s near enough half a metre squared – so it’s big!
“I’ve signed this print and it is ready for one lucky new owner to frame and hang on their wall,” Graeme tells us, “And if you’d like that to be you then head over to Ebay and bid on this print – with all proceeds going towards Cancer Research UK.”
Be aware that this special fundraiser is only being auctioned in the UK as, logistically, sending this large print abroad just isn’t on the cards.
“I hope you consider bidding and letting any Star Wars fans out there know to go check it out,” Graeme urges.
And who are we not to give this eye-popping work a signal boost? Head to eBay now! The auction closes next Saturday, and bidding is already above £100, in a good cause.
Graeme Neil Reid is a Scottish artist living and working in Fife, Scotland. With a strong sense for traditional skills, Graeme is as easily at home creating unique illustrations on paper, board and canvas as he is digitally in Adobe Photoshop, Manga Studio, Art Rage and various other applications.
His work has graced books (The Dangerous Book of Heroes), television (World’s Strongest Man), gaming (Need for Speed), magazines (Radio Times), comics (2000AD, Commando), online and apps (Doctor Who) and much more.
• Graeme Neil Reid is online at gnreid.co.uk | Patreon | Etsy | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Art and Illustration, downthetubes News, Film, Other Worlds, Star Wars
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