Artist transforms iconic Halifax vessels into giant robots

Artist Kate Phillips transformed famous Halifax vessels into giant robots. (Source: Kate Phillips)

The Halifax ferry can seem fairly unassuming as it cruises over the harbour, but in the blink of an eye, it can transform into a towering, battle-ready robot.

At least that’s the case in a series of attention-grabbing sketches from a Halifax-based artist.

Kate Phillips, an award-winning illustrator and graphic novelist, recently unveiled detailed drawings that depicted the ferry, the Harbour Hopper and Theodore Tugboat as Transformers.

“These pieces are a little outside my normal range,” she said. “It was a fun side project.”

Phillips, who has worked on comics and children’s books, wanted to embrace the aquatic side of Halifax with these pieces, which is why she focused on the three famous water-based vessels.

“Looking at the ferry, I want to embody the idea of a captain and the natural shapes of the vehicle,” she said. “The Harbour Hopper has this awning, how do I incorporate that? It could have a bandana.

“I’m not designing for a Transformers movie but you want to think about how it would work if it was a toy. That’s always the plan. I wasn’t a huge Transformers fan but I was a fan of action figure toys.”

Phillips shared the pieces on social media and got a strong response from locals who pitched ideas for possible further Halifax-based Transformers.

“A lot of good recommendations from people so it seems there’s an appetite for it,” Phillips said. “It really surprised me, especially because it was a side project. I did not think it would resonate with people so much.

“The ferry is my personal favourite. I guess people really enjoy that they’re local but still new and fresh as well. A new take on it.”

Phillips’ other work is currently on display at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck, N.S., this summer. Featuring pieces by her from the last few years, “Familiar Places” will run until October.

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