Wookiee the Chew by James Hance: Wood-Burning Art for Charity

Leave it to James Hance to depict Chewbacca as a cute and cuddly Pooh bear. These one-of-a-kind wood burning art pieces are not just for display, but for a charitable cause. With his many creative designs, the artist aims to raise funds to treat his six year old daughter who has a rare intestinal disorder.

Wookiee the Chew

Wookiee the Chew AT-yore

The first wood burning creation by Hance features Wookiee the Chew and his best friend R2D2 piglet, searching a sky reminiscent of Van Gogh’s Starry Night. The second piece is of AT-yore, meekly looking at its beribboned tail.

These characters were first featured in Hance’s 2010 book, Wookiee the Chew – The House at Chew Corner, which was his adorable Star Wars version of the popular children’s book about Winnie the Pooh. In the series, Wookiee the Chew belongs to Chrisolo Robin, a boy who loves him very much. Other characters in the book were also inspired by Star Wars icons. These parodies were Hance’s tribute to the original Pooh creator A.A. Milne.

Thanks to the magic of pyrography, the public can appreciate these memorable Star Wars characters in a new light. These designs were made by passing a heated tool across a wooden surface, hence the term pyrography, or to write with fire. This art form has been around since the ancient Egyptians, and today, it is still traditionally practiced by African tribes. Among avid crafters of the present, pyrography is commonly referred to as wood-burning.

James Hance has been widely acclaimed for his creativity in the way he depicts pop icons to give audiences a whole new perspective. Some of his parodies include Calvin and Hobbes, the Muppets, Sesame Street, and even favorite comic book heroes Batman and Superman. At present, the proceeds of Hance’s art sales are gathered to help his young daughter Madison get treated for her condition.

To find more interesting Chewbacca-inspired stuff, you can take a look at this Lego Star Wars alarm clock. For another funky Wookiee parody, perhaps this Che Bacca bust will tickle your fancy.

Via: Geeks Are Sexy