Just the other day, HBO announced its ‘Create for the Throne’ campaign, a promotional effort where the network tasks 18 artists around the world with putting their spin on a number of iconic Game of Thrones props. Here’s a little preview:
HBO will be rolling out detailed looks at these projects between now and April 14, when the final season of the show debuts. First up is the Fire Collection, with props themed around those most dangerous and beloved of Game of Thrones beasties, the dragons. Let’s kick things off with woodcarver Simon O’Rourke, who had the task of creating a case to house Daenerys’ iconic dragon eggs.
“I had a large stem of Yew in my yard, which had been waiting eight years for the right project,” O’Rourke said. “It’s a beautiful color inside, and this particular piece had such a gorgeous looking outer skin. I had to change my design to include some of the amazing texture.”
Artist: Simon O’Rourke. Image: HBO
I’m torn between wondering how O’Rourke got wood to do that and frightened at what is, in my opinion, a pretty freaking-looking carrying case. As O’Rourke says, it has a kind of “mutated” look to it. “The random teeth add to this mutated feel and give a really edgy and uncertain aspect — which ties in with the whole idea of a dragon’s egg,” he explained. “The feeling of danger is heightened by the thought of the lid snapping shut.” Guh.
Around this organic casing is the shroud formed as abstract dragon wings. This gives the feel of protection over the eggs and shows off the grain of the wood. The smooth finish on this aspect also has a good contrast to the scales of the inner shell, and the rippled texture of the outer wood.
Next up, we have painter Jeff Soto, charged with putting his stamp on a dragon’s skull:
Artist: Jeff Soto. Image: HBO.
“I created a few different ideas, but what resonated with me most was bringing the dead skull to life through vibrant colors,” Soto said.
This represents the dragons in a positive light as a good force of nature. When I got the prop I started by spray painting the entire thing to give it an underpainting base. Then I started painting on it, following the shapes and forms of the skull.
Soto used acrylic spray paint and brush paints, for any hobbyists out there wanting to duplicate with their own skull collection. “I focused on rich, saturated colors that were the opposite of dusty old bones. Mainly, I was thinking about Viserion.”
We’re sure Viserion would appreciate the tribute. He’s looking pretty monochromatic these days.
This is some impressive work. We’re looking forward to seeing what else these artists whip up as our march to the premiere continues.
To stay up to date on everything Game of Thrones, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.
Watch Game of Thrones for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels
