Custom Wrecked Models

It seems the typical young designer is fascinated with toys and models, particularly those that hark back to their childhood. Star Wars is the ultimate franchise for this, with its phenomenal global appeal.

Do toys and models give inspiration? I sometimes wonder about this, as they seem to be first and foremost, objects of consumerism.

However, artists, designers and model makers who take things to the next level, create works of art that do truly inspire. These are typically, heavily customised model kits – pieces that you can’t buy ready made from the shops. These works of art may begin with mass made kits, but the creators put together a concept and then apply craft skills to give their ideas life.

This piece below is the winning kit entry for Starship Modeler’s fifteenth online modelling contest. Its called Abandoned Refuge and was created by Dimitri Kaliviotis.

This caught my eye partly for the nostalgia association, but also because of the aesthetic. The war-torn and abandoned look couldn’t be further from the design of toys typically sold to create the Star Wars galaxy. Its not something that kids would want to play with. (What use is a broken AT-AT when you want to transport your imperial troops across the snow-ridden hills of your living room sofa?)

In fact, the imperfections and rusty details demand a close-up look. The overall package is definitely for display and to be admired. Like all craft work, when you can appreciate the skill and time involved, that surely would inspire you.

See other fantastic entries in the Starship Modeler winners list

Via Gizmodo

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