Armed with an arsenal of graphite pencils, has spent years recreating iconic scenes from the Star Wars movie franchise.
鈥淚t is a very, very sad day indeed today for all Star Wars fans,鈥� the Stony Plain, Alta.-based artist told CTV Edmonton.
On Tuesday, actor Carrie Fisher, who skyrocketed to fame as Princess Leia in the original Star Wars film series, passed away following a heart attack. She was 60.
Bailey, a licensed Star Wars and Disney artist, first met the actor six years ago at the . Bailey had wanted to give Fisher one of his illustrations. She liked them so much that her collection eventually ballooned to 18. Over time, the two also developed a friendship.
鈥淪he'd embrace me and kiss me and tell me how much she loves what I鈥檓 doing and that makes it very, very special,鈥� he said.
Bailey drew Fisher from various scenes, including in the signature white dress and bun-like hairstyle she donned in the first Star Wars film.
鈥淪he hated that hairdo, that wig,鈥� Bailey reminisced. 鈥淪he thought it was just nuts.鈥�
Fisher got to ditch that wig in subsequent films, including in Star Wars: Episode VIII, which is slated to be released in December 2017.
Bailey said the actor always made time for him in her busy schedule.
鈥淚 will always treasure (her),鈥� he said, 鈥渆specially now that she is sadly gone.鈥�
With files from CTV Edmonton
