Stephen Hayford Art

[shayford]

I've always been horrible about getting myself to the forums (except for the diorama section), so I think it's necessary to share a bit about myself.

I've been in photojournalism (primarily newspapers) for more than 20 years. I've been customizing action figures, building dioramas and photographing them for more than 15 years. I decided to pursue my art full time after surviving a major heart surgery for a congenital defect. (I'll show you the video, if you have the guts.) So, for the last three years I've been able to have my cake and eat it too by continuing to work in, and teaching, photojournalism *and* exhibiting my "Plastics" work.

I'm primarily a satirist, specializing in mocking the oddities that make Florida interesting. But my childhood Star Wars fandom is what spawned my interest in action figures in the first place and lead to my involvement with Lucas Online. I've been making Star Wars-themed holiday photos for years. One of my most popular, Vader carving a Thanksgiving turkey, was included in Stephen Sansweet's "Star Wars Vault." That gave me the encouragement to continue with plastics.

I understand that as the first photographer and diorama artist to appear in the Star Wars Art Show, that I'm kind of a wild card. However, I hope that you will enjoy my unique art.

You may see a sample of my Star Wars work here:
PLASTICS - Star Wars

You may see a sample of my other Plastics here:
PLASTICS

Thank you,
Stephen Hayford

[shayford]

I, like all Star Wars fans, was saddened by the death of Ralph McQuarrie. His original artwork for the Classic Trilogy completely sparked my imagination and creativity. My latest piece is intended as a "thank you" for a life of inspiration.



-Stephen

[shayford]

Here's a little background to accompany my CVI print. . .



I have always loved how George Lucas incorporated "real world" notions into "A New Hope," like Luke complaining about the price he got for his speeder. Those are elements that inspire my satire. But it was a patch of throw away dialogue between two Stormtroopers which inspired me to explore the secret lives of Imperials. When Ben is disengaging the tractor beam, two troopers shoot the breeze:

First Trooper: "You seen that new BT-16?"
Second Trooper: " Yeah, some of the other guys were telling me about it. They say it's quite a thing to see."

That dialogue revealed that the hardened, battle-bred clones had been replaced by average Joe enlisted men. And the juxtaposition of the death-dealing mystique and casual shop talk inspired me. In fact, I made an image years ago focused on the two troopers from that scene having coffee in a break room. For the CVI print, I decided to take that moment and back up to view the rest of the break room.

My process is a lot different from traditional illustrators. I've got to build the scene from materials. All the walls and furniture are hand cut and constructed from Styrene plastic (with the exception of the light wall which was laser cut and the chairs which are resin). I sculpted the chairs from Styrene, wood and plastic bits and then molded and cast them.



Many of the props are found items (coffee cups, coffee maker, etc.). But most of the items are handmade (newspaper with readable headlines, bulletin board, brochure rack, etc.). I also like to include a lot of small gags like using aurabesh in the crossword puzzle, TK-598's Facebook page, etc. And, yes, I did use real coffee in the mugs.



Enjoy,
Stephen
Life In Plastics: The Fine Art of Stephen Hayford
http://www.facebook.com/StephenHayfordPlastics
https://twitter.com/#!/HayfordPhoto

[jpc_art]

That is awesome Stephen, my talents don't translate well into the 3D realm so I'm always really impressed with people who can sculpt and fabricate things like that. Photography has always been difficult for me too, I don't have the patience for it. Great stuff man, can't wait to hang out in Orlando.

[ddoughboy1978]

It looks very robot chicken like.I'm definitely gonna get one.

[shayford]

That is awesome Stephen, my talents don't translate well into the 3D realm so I'm always really impressed with people who can sculpt and fabricate things like that.

Thanks, Jeff. I feel the same way about you 2D illustrators. I can draw only well enough to convey a storyboard or general premise. No one will be getting any remarques from me. Unless they want stick figures.

[shayford]

Happy Independence Day! Here's a look back at a piece from my Vader Knows Best series:



Grill safely,
S

[ddoughboy1978]

thats wrong but funny

[leia214]

Stephen thanks for posting your comments on your CVI print - it really made me appreciate it more! And the Independence Day shot - classic! Love Vader with his arm around Leia

[Meriwyn]

I LOVE your CVI print!