guest post by Todd Lappin (Telstar Logistics)
According to local lore, George Lucas was inspired to create the AT-AT walkers in “The Empire Strikes Back” after looking at the container cranes at the Port of Oakland, California while driving across the Bay Bridge.
Is it true? I have no idea. But the folks at thegirlandrhino.com, a small business based in Oakland, turned the legend into one very brilliant graphic t-shirt. I met them recently at the Capsule Design Festival in Hayes Valley, and scooped up a shirt for me and one for our kid.
More Info: The Girl and Rhino
photo by Todd Lappin (Telstar Logistics)
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Actually, it was the concept artist working on empire that came up with it…
Really? That’s good to know! I’ve been dying to find out the facts behind that legend.
Lucas (and/or his artists + creative team) were inspired by much of what was around them, specifically in Marin, CA where they were creating Star Wars. “Miwok” Park + the Miwok’s (Miwok Indians) inspired the “Ewoks”, -as another example.
Speaking of Lucas, what the heck is Lucas Arts and that HUGE complex up to? You never hear about them creating anything?? -Just laying people off :)
Thanks for the tip Scott! I just told Mike about the cranes when I brought him over to the east bay. so I ordered him a shirt!
Thanks for posting this. I’ve been seeing more and more of these shirts around town but had no idea who was responsible for making them. I’ve noticed almost all are worn by skinny cute girls, which is a welcome change. It’s a good time to be a Star Wars nerd. Hopefully I’ll be able to get one now before Lucas’s army of lawyers hits them with a cease and desist order.
damn, this is a first: you guys are behind in the times; these shirts have been around for at least a year or so. maybe y’all need to venture to the other side of the bay a bit more often :P
Gabriel, you’re so right. But — Oy! — the traffic! Hee.
The design is from “The Girl and Rhino” http://www.thegirlandrhino.com/ Ralph McQuarry (SP?) was the Lucas concept artist, but I don’t recall him acknowledging the local shipping crane influence when I saw him speak at the Academy Art College back in the 80’s. I think E-woks really came from reversing Wookies. Originally the rebel alliance was to be aided by Chewbacca’s peeps.