Steampunk-A gaslamp fantasy made real Discussions - crafthaus2024-03-29T08:38:43Zhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/groups/group/forum?groupUrl=steampunk-can-we-really-do-this&feed=yes&xn_auth=noSteampunk Quartermaster....tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2012-05-25:2104389:Topic:3469512012-05-25T19:37:49.510ZTimothy Jay Nelsonhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/TimothyJayNelson
<p>One universal aspect of the Steampunk genre is the ownership and embellishment of equipment and more specifically a primary weapon. This weapon can range from a sword to a pistol, long rifle, battleaxe or any combination of ranged and melee weapons to further develop the character that each person takes on. Not only are the weapons chosen based on innate appeal but are then further embellished by the owner to suit their own style. </p>
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<p>One universal aspect of the Steampunk genre is the ownership and embellishment of equipment and more specifically a primary weapon. This weapon can range from a sword to a pistol, long rifle, battleaxe or any combination of ranged and melee weapons to further develop the character that each person takes on. Not only are the weapons chosen based on innate appeal but are then further embellished by the owner to suit their own style. </p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058225974?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058225974?profile=original" width="500"/></a></p>
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<p>When choosing a weapon for your Steampunk persona, it’s important to consider the type of person you are in real life. Perhaps you are the type of person that would shoot first and ask questions later? You could be the type that would only shoot when necessary. You might more inclined to pick off enemies at a distance or shoot someone in the back!</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058226261?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058226261?profile=original" width="550"/></a></p>
<p>Then again you could do away with guns entirely and wish to settle things with a good old fashioned long sword duel. Whatever way you decide to settle your disagreements, it’s important to be properly equipped for every situation. That is the reason why so many Steampunks design and craft their own weaponry.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058225683?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058225683?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>The major advantage of the Steampunk genre is that it is a seamless amalgamation of vintage, contemporary, and science fiction design. Weapons can be as low tech as a club to smash down a door or open a treasure chest, and can be as advanced and futuristic as a disintegrator ray gun! Either way you go you will of course wish to and be expected to embellish and ornament every piece of equipment that graces your tool belt and find a way to fit each piece into your overall persona.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058225801?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058225801?profile=original" width="690"/></a></p>
<p>How you choose to personalize your equipment also says a lot about the type of person you are or the type of person you are trying to become. Some practitioners will lean towards the gritty and industrial functionality with very little ornamentation. Others want their gear to be so ornate that they are pieces of art first and functional devices second. I personally gravitate towards the latter.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058227374?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058227374?profile=original" width="450"/></a></p>
<p>This is one aspect of the genre that I have not pursued as extensively as my fellow Steampunks. While I do love weapons of all shapes and sizes, I also see that there is a virtual glut of weapons already present and available for purchase in several markets. What I find there is little of is personalized equipment. I tend to think of what would happen before, after or in between fights in our world and not how to resolve them.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058226604?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058226604?profile=original" width="570"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058228506?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058228506?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>I have made everything from holsters to harnesses, First aid kits to lock picks. This is where I feel that metal art can really find its own and shine. There is an amazing number of cheap quality and cheap looking pieces of Steampunk weaponry, equipment, clothing and jewelry, to make no mention of art. We as craftsmen and artisans can seize upon the opportunity to produce items of quality which will be very well received by people who are willing to invest in unique and well made objects.</p>
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<p>Photo citiations:</p>
<p><a href="http://getasword.com/steampunk-clothes/1246-goliathon-83-infinity-beam-projector.html">http://getasword.com/steampunk-clothes/1246-goliathon-83-infinity-beam-projector.html</a></p>
<p><a href="http://steampunkadventures.blogspot.com/2011/02/weaponized-steampunk-wondersguns-and.html">http://steampunkadventures.blogspot.com/2011/02/weaponized-steampunk-wondersguns-and.html</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/ReactionDesignsMetalwork">https://www.facebook.com/#!/ReactionDesignsMetalwork</a></p> Airships! Full steam ahead and steady as she goes!tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2012-04-17:2104389:Topic:3405232012-04-17T17:41:50.499ZTimothy Jay Nelsonhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/TimothyJayNelson
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058209939?profile=original" target="_self"></a>A staple of the steampunk universe is the Airship. Dirigibles as they are commonly called (from the French (<i>diriger</i> to direct plus <i>-ible</i>), meaning "directable" or steerable) are blimps with open ship-like bases or enclosed Gondolas to hold passengers and/or cargo, and are directed by rudders and propellers, jet engines or even sails as opposed to Balloons which follow the…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058209939?profile=original" target="_self"></a>A staple of the steampunk universe is the Airship. Dirigibles as they are commonly called (from the French (<i>diriger</i> to direct plus <i>-ible</i>), meaning "directable" or steerable) are blimps with open ship-like bases or enclosed Gondolas to hold passengers and/or cargo, and are directed by rudders and propellers, jet engines or even sails as opposed to Balloons which follow the wind with no control of their own.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058209645?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058209645?profile=original" width="371"/></a></p>
<p> How do they fit into the Steampunk genre? Truthfully they fit into the timeframe that Steampunk embodies more than they do the aesthetic of steampunk design. They are a symbol of freedom. In fact they are a symbol of the most freedom that one can achieve within the level of technology at the time. Not bound by the constraints of ground or ocean travel like a locomotive or steamship, but still slow enough that they harken back to the sea fairing days of pirates and privateers. In fact there are groups, troops and even rock bands that have dedicated their lives to the “Airship Pirate” lifestyle.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058211561?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058211561?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>During this timeframe there were no grander or more highly embellished vehicles than ships. Often constructed from the finest materials and built by the most skilled artisans money could buy. Ships were more than possessions, they were characters. Often given names and adorned with figureheads depicting goddesses or mythical beasts, they really took on a life of their own. Far more important (and expensive) than even a car is today. They offered more than merely conveyance, they offered a lifestyle. Free as the wind and beholden to no one, a ship was a golden ticket to and from anywhere and anything that you pleased. That same spirit is embodied in the Airship to Steampunks.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058213125?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058213125?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>The positive upshot of the Airship fascination is that the highly embellished nature of ships and machinery of the time gets translated into every object that steampunks build. Rather than settling for function alone, the emphasis centers more directly on form. Objects are not only built to serve function (often fictional functions) but they are decorative pieces of art in themselves. Steampunks take inspiration from every piece that goes into making a machine like a ship. From the rigging to the hull, every element of ship design has potential to inform the design of something else. I personally have always been fascinated by the intricate scrollwork and carving that would adorn every piece of railing or molding on a ships surface and the large expansive whale-like structure inside the hull that supports everything else. I also derive inspiration from the internal workings of steamships: dials, controls, levers, swing-arms, even reactors and cooling rods inside Nuclear Submarines are beautiful in their own way. All of these elements find a home in every piece of sculpture or jewelry I design.</p>
<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058211719?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058211719?profile=original" width="700"/></a> </p>
<p>I find it interesting that we now see a resurgence of Locomotives and Airships in many areas but especially in remote locations like Alaska where air and rail travel is the primary form of commerce. Airships are quiet, reliable and more efficient than small aircraft and require no more education than obtaining a drivers license. We have not (thankfully) seen a movement of air pirates but we may see something similar to a Privateer; private individuals that offer transport and protection for people or cargo, for a price of course.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058213319?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058213319?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
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<p>citations:</p>
<p>Dirigibles:</p>
<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airship">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airship</a></p>
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<p>3Musketeers airships:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.storyboards.nl/news/concept_art_for_the_three_musketeers_3d_by_ulrich_zeidler/">http://www.storyboards.nl/news/concept_art_for_the_three_musketeers_3d_by_ulrich_zeidler/</a></p>
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<p>Steampunk Airship:</p>
<p><a href="http://paulinespiratesandprivateers.blogspot.com/2011/05/ships-royal-warrior.html">http://paulinespiratesandprivateers.blogspot.com/2011/05/ships-royal-warrior.html</a></p> Steampunk | Off Book | PBStag:crafthaus.ning.com,2012-03-07:2104389:Topic:3343272012-03-07T14:31:57.488ZBrigitte Martinhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/brigittemartin
<p>Steampunk art evokes an alternate reality where steam is the primary source of power. Technology, though highly advanced, has taken on a very different look and feel, and fashion is heavily influenced by Victorian styles. In this episode, we explore the Steampunk aesthetic and art movement. We speak with a Steampunk artist, a composer who created an entire piece of music inspired by Steampunk, and a performing arts collective whose work falls naturally into this intriguing…</p>
<p>Steampunk art evokes an alternate reality where steam is the primary source of power. Technology, though highly advanced, has taken on a very different look and feel, and fashion is heavily influenced by Victorian styles. In this episode, we explore the Steampunk aesthetic and art movement. We speak with a Steampunk artist, a composer who created an entire piece of music inspired by Steampunk, and a performing arts collective whose work falls naturally into this intriguing world.</p>
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<p>Featuring:<br/><br/>Joey Marsocci aka Dr Grymm: <a href="http://www.drgrymmlaboratories.net/" target="_blank" title="http://www.drgrymmlaboratories.net/" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://www.drgrymmlaboratories.net/</a><br/>Third Rail Projects: <a href="http://thirdrailprojects.com/" target="_blank" title="http://thirdrailprojects.com/" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://thirdrailprojects.com/</a><br/>David Bruce, Composer: <a href="http://www.davidbruce.net/" target="_blank" title="http://www.davidbruce.net/" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://www.davidbruce.net/</a><br/>Ensemble ACJW: <a href="http://www.carnegiehall.org/Academy/Ensemble-ACJW/" target="_blank" title="http://www.carnegiehall.org/Academy/Ensemble-ACJW/" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://www.carnegiehall.org/Academy/Ensemble-ACJW/</a><br/><br/>Additional Art By:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wbur/5263191443/" target="_blank" title="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wbur/5263191443/" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://www.flickr.com/photos/wbur/5263191443/</a><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/donpezzano/3956829477/" target="_blank" title="http://www.flickr.com/photos/donpezzano/3956829477/" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://www.flickr.com/photos/donpezzano/3956829477/</a><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/almostjaded/1343511972/" target="_blank" title="http://www.flickr.com/photos/almostjaded/1343511972/" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://www.flickr.com/photos/almostjaded/1343511972/</a><br/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezra1311/5880325465/" target="_blank" title="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezra1311/5880325465/" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://www.flickr.com/photos/ezra1311/5880325465/</a><br/><a href="http://danielproulx.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="http://danielproulx.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://danielproulx.blogspot.com/</a><br/><a href="http://urbandon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="http://urbandon.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://urbandon.blogspot.com/</a><br/><a href="http://cyborgnecromancer.deviantart.com/art/Steampunk-Santa-72796605" target="_blank" title="http://cyborgnecromancer.deviantart.com/art/Steampunk-Santa-72796605" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://cyborgnecromancer.deviantart.com/art/Steampunk-Santa-72796605</a><br/><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Aranwen" target="_blank" title="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Aranwen" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://www.etsy.com/shop/Aranwen</a><br/><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Steampunk-Segway-Legway-/" target="_blank" title="http://www.instructables.com/id/Steampunk-Segway-Legway-/" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://www.instructables.com/id/Steampunk-Segway-Legway-/</a><br/><a href="http://robinlatkovich.com/" target="_blank" title="http://robinlatkovich.com/" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://robinlatkovich.com/</a><br/><a href="http://acidkitty3.deviantart.com/art/SteamPunk-Hello-Kitty-2-195343972" target="_blank" title="http://acidkitty3.deviantart.com/art/SteamPunk-Hello-Kitty-2-195343972" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://acidkitty3.deviantart.com/art/SteamPunk-Hello-Kitty-2-195343972</a><br/><a href="http://shirtoid.com/44341/steampunk-ponies/" target="_blank" title="http://shirtoid.com/44341/steampunk-ponies/" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://shirtoid.com/44341/steampunk-ponies/</a><br/><a href="http://ericpoulton.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="http://ericpoulton.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://ericpoulton.blogspot.com</a><br/><a href="http://www.darlawinn.com/gallery/steampunk_haunted_house_-_nyc/" target="_blank" title="http://www.darlawinn.com/gallery/steampunk_haunted_house_-_nyc/" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://www.darlawinn.com/gallery/steampunk_haunted_house_-_nyc/</a><br/><a href="http://chadheird.com/" target="_blank" title="http://chadheird.com" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://chadheird.com</a><br/><br/>Music by:<br/><br/>Anitek: <a href="http://www.jamendo.com/en/artist/Anitek" target="_blank" title="http://www.jamendo.com/en/artist/Anitek" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://www.jamendo.com/en/artist/Anitek</a><br/><br/>Follow Off Book:<br/><br/>Twitter: @pbsoffbook<br/>Tumblr: <a href="http://pbsarts.tumblr.com/" target="_blank" title="http://pbsarts.tumblr.com/" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://pbsarts.tumblr.com/</a><br/><br/>Produced by Kornhaber Brown: <a href="http://www.kornhaberbrown.com/" target="_blank" title="http://www.kornhaberbrown.com" rel="nofollow" dir="ltr" class="yt-uix-redirect-link">http://www.kornhaberbrown.com</a></p>
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<p><span class="font-size-3" style="color: #ff0000;">SOURCE:</span> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPuklY1VjYw" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPuklY1VjYw</a></p>
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<p></p> MY little poniestag:crafthaus.ning.com,2012-03-06:2104389:Topic:3340792012-03-06T19:59:50.965ZTimothy Jay Nelsonhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/TimothyJayNelson
<p>As an artist, I try to always maintain the element of fun that drew me to metalwork and Steampunk metalwork specifically. In that spirit I began work on a series of Pop Art sculptures centering around an iconic image from my childhood. As a child of the 80’s and the cousin, sibling and friend of many girls; I have many memories of being forced to play ponies with my various family members. Not exactly the favorite game for me when I was younger but a vivid memory nonetheless. I have been…</p>
<p>As an artist, I try to always maintain the element of fun that drew me to metalwork and Steampunk metalwork specifically. In that spirit I began work on a series of Pop Art sculptures centering around an iconic image from my childhood. As a child of the 80’s and the cousin, sibling and friend of many girls; I have many memories of being forced to play ponies with my various family members. Not exactly the favorite game for me when I was younger but a vivid memory nonetheless. I have been observing for quite some time, a large resurgence towards nostalgic icons from childhood and I felt that they make a perfect platform to make sculptures that reflect on our society and into ourselves.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>When I began to identify as a Steampunk artist I began searching for ways to identify myself and my style within that genre. It was at that point that I began to envision different ways that Steampunk can be incorporated into every aspect of life. Even the toys that we grew up with can be stylized to fit into the genre.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>My first undertaking was truly an act of renewal and mercy. This poor little pony had spent 15 years in the back window ledge of a car and was very badly damaged. Her hair was falling out, her skin was faded and cracked and there was a very bleak diagnosis for her future.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058195920?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058195920?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058196089?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p>So I took it as a personal mission to revitalize and “heal” her from her wounds. Not only that; I used it as an opportunity to write a short drama about how she received her wounds and how the world of “Ponyland” was changed forever in the process. I have attached the bio to this discussion should your curiosity lead you to investigate.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058196504?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058196504?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p> We see now more than ever the immediate impact of war wounds on soldiers and their families. Where once, individuals may have suffered in silence; now there is enough media and internet coverage that the negative impact of wars on the personal level is brought to mainstream.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058196860?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058196860?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>This first offering is a direct reflection of that.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058196405?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058196405?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058195957?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>My second foray into this world was to tackle a very socially relevant topic. The concept was that a pony was born to two different “races” of pony.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058194774?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058194774?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p> One parent was a Pony, one was a Pegasus. So in her life she felt conflicted (as many do) about which “role” she fit into. She always felt that she could not be comfortable in her own body, so she applied for “Pony re-assignment surgery.”</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058193075?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058193075?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p> I have always felt a great deal of compassion for individuals that don’t feel comfortable with themselves. I have been blessed in many ways and I wish only for the same peace and comfort for all people regardless of who they are or where they come from.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058195254?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058195254?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>So I made a pony to encourage everyone to embrace themselves for who they are and not to be tied down by social constraints or “societal norms”. </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058193411?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058193411?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p> Now she can soar amongst the clouds with her kin, and safely return the ground to re-unite with the rest of her family. She effectively bridges the gap between the two worlds.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058193577?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058193577?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>I continue working on the series, there will be 5 in total. So stay tuned as I will be posting pictures and comments about them in the future.</p>
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<p>Thanks for reading!</p> Steampunk fashionistas!tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2012-02-15:2104389:Topic:3300072012-02-15T15:17:52.600ZTimothy Jay Nelsonhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/TimothyJayNelson
<h1>Steampunk fashionistas!</h1>
<div class="xg_module"><div class="xg_module_body wpage"><div class="description" id="page-content"><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Fashion plays a huge role in the steampunk world. More than any other art form is used to express the personality of the practitioner. This aspect of the genre offers the most freedom for personal expression. Ranging from conservative, traditional Victorian style attire to full blown Sci Fi human augmentation. The body quite…</p>
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<h1>Steampunk fashionistas!</h1>
<div class="xg_module"><div class="xg_module_body wpage"><div id="page-content" class="description"><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Fashion plays a huge role in the steampunk world. More than any other art form is used to express the personality of the practitioner. This aspect of the genre offers the most freedom for personal expression. Ranging from conservative, traditional Victorian style attire to full blown Sci Fi human augmentation. The body quite literally becomes the canvas and people build or sculpt a persona.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058178397?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058178397?profile=original" width="477"/></a></p>
<p> Gentlemen in long coats, women in bustles; waistcoats and corsets, walking sticks and parasols. Victorian fashion was elaborate, time consuming and vital for civilized society. One did not simply stumble out of the house in sweat pants and Ugg boots. In that same aesthetic, Steampunk clothing is elaborate, complicated, and is often made or altered by the wearer to suit their specific tastes.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058185636?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058185636?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p>
<p> A staple of the Steampunk genre are hats. (Usually topped with custom made goggles or various other adornment) Ranging from the Derby, to the Stovepipe, Bowler to Fedora; one never leaves home without the proper hat to top the outfit. During the Victorian era the hat making industry was stronger than it ever was or has been since. Gentlemen and ladies alike were nothing if not particular about fashion and style. While one might only own two or three pairs of shoes, Hats would number closer to ten! Hat makers and vendors are now seeing a kind of second renaissance. Men and Women are buying and wearing more hats than they have since the 1950’s. Does this have anything to do with the Steampunk movement? Hard to say for sure; but I and others would very much like to think that the underlying cause is a return to vintage styling. That is to say; that which was fashionable before will be fashionable again.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058178827?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058178827?profile=original" width="350"/></a></p>
<p>How does art and jewelry fit into steampunk fashion? In a very direct way actually, clothing dictates the type of person you are perceived to be and that extends to jewelry as well. Our initial albeit superficial first impressions are ever so important to Steampunks. There are those who wear period clothing every single day, embracing their eccentric nature and actively sculpting their lives around it; and there are those who only engage in such behavior during social events like conventions or fairs.</p>
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<p> <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058177949?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058177949?profile=original" width="400"/></a>However one thread seems to connect them all and that is the overall desire to express oneself in a manner counter to pop culture. It may seem shallow but the image that one presents to the world matters a great deal to steampunks and artists which of course is a double whammy for Steampunk artists! We are not pleased if we are not being noticed by the community. Either for our manner, clothing or our creations we demand attention from our adoring fans. Not all Steampunks are dandies but we all strive for the attention that one gets for being viewed as one.</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058176543?profile=original" target="_self"></a>Perhaps not in a direct sense where women will start to wear full length dresses and corsets and men will return to Frock coats and top hats; but I believe we will be seeing classically dressed gentlemen and ladies making a return to fashion runways. I and others like me would also like to see a return to full figured women and men with well groomed hair and beards but that may be little more than a pipe dream. We will continue to dream however and reality may soon begin to reflect fantasy.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058179084?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058179084?profile=original" width="400"/></a></p>
<p>For now it stays within the movement but you may just see a gentleman strutting down the boardwalk with a top hat and cane in the not too distant future and I hope that you will stop them and ask: Are you a Steampunk?</p>
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<p>Images are all collected by myself and others over several years and cannot be properly cited, if you are or know who these individuals are or who took the photos please contact me so I can give credit properly. Thank you for reading!</p>
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</div> The Personal Reactor...tag:crafthaus.ning.com,2012-01-29:2104389:Topic:3253942012-01-29T22:03:42.668ZTimothy Jay Nelsonhttp://crafthaus.ning.com/profile/TimothyJayNelson
<p>This is the piece that started it all! The origins of Reaction Designs and my love of Steampunk metalwork. This is an entirely hand fabricated personal nuclear reactor! This piece was designed as the endgame for all steampunk technology. As you may know nuclear power is made by creating enormous amounts of heat through fusion or fission which then generates steam and the steam powers turbines to create energy. My thought was: "if only that could be harnessed to power a human being! Are you…</p>
<p>This is the piece that started it all! The origins of Reaction Designs and my love of Steampunk metalwork. This is an entirely hand fabricated personal nuclear reactor! This piece was designed as the endgame for all steampunk technology. As you may know nuclear power is made by creating enormous amounts of heat through fusion or fission which then generates steam and the steam powers turbines to create energy. My thought was: "if only that could be harnessed to power a human being! Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Simply strap on Professor Nelson's personal reactor and buzz the day away with the natural zip of portable fission!" I like to point out that I conceived and fabricated this several years before Iron man became the huge phenomenon that is it today.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058167116?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058167116?profile=original" width="624"/></a></p>
<p>For every artist Steampunk or not there is a crystallizing moment; when you realize the work that you love to make and how that work stems from that which fascinated you as a child. Whenever I talk to artists in any field I love to hear what those moments were for them. That is the most fascinating part about art for me. How and when the medium or the form turned into and intimate connection with the soul of the creator. During construction I literally feel in love with this piece. I found myself wanting to keep working on it even as my eyes fell shut at the bench from the long hours I was keeping at the University and the nearly full time job I was holding to help me pay for it. I began to wish that it really did work to power me so I could stay in the studio until it was done.</p>
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<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058166500?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058166500?profile=original" width="417"/></a></p>
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<p><br/> This piece was conceived to quell the frustration I had from growing up as a child of Science Fiction where Nuclear energy not only powers laboratories for super scientists and mad geniuses alike, but radiation gives ordinary people amazing super powers! The reality of Nuclear power is obviously less desirable, with the various disasters that have happened trying to control it and the horrible side effects and death that occurs from actual exposure to radiation. So this piece stemmed from a desire to see more of my fantasy mix with reality. Perhaps someday we will be able to get superpowers but until then, I will continue to make devices that blur the lines of reality!</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058166362?profile=original"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/1058166362?profile=original" width="495"/></a></p>
<p><br/> 2 inches in diameter. Composed of Sterling Silver, Brass, and Titanium.</p>