Another lovely item brought to my attention by AE Flint on Trial by Steam. I like to credit whoever brings something like this to my attention if it comes from another blog I follow rather than just posting it as though it was from my own research. Thsi is a beautiful example of recent changes and evolutions in Steampunk Art.
Steampunk: Nature - Worth1000 Contests
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Steampunk chip takes the heat - tech - 10 September 2010 - New Scientist
The Blog by AE Flint, Trial by Steam, brought to my attention a facinating post about use of one of Charles Babbage's science fiction concepts to overcome heat problems in defense industry computers on missles etc.
While this does nto directly pertain to the main theme of this blog, it affects us in terms of helping make Steampunk better known as a philosophy, a lifestyle, and in showing the great value of some "postmodernist" theories about not throwing away the value of the past just to get something new. Take a look:
Steampunk chip takes the heat - tech - 10 September 2010 - New Scientist
While this does nto directly pertain to the main theme of this blog, it affects us in terms of helping make Steampunk better known as a philosophy, a lifestyle, and in showing the great value of some "postmodernist" theories about not throwing away the value of the past just to get something new. Take a look:
Steampunk chip takes the heat - tech - 10 September 2010 - New Scientist
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
How Steampunk Fashion derives from every other aspect at once
I ran across what seemed to be a simple question about modifying a Neo-Victorian dress to make a Steampunk ensemble for a special Steampunk event by a newcomer to the genre. They got the information they asked for and an amazing amount more. In fact this may be one of the most insightful (for the observer) exchanges I've seen in a while as it shows the rainbow of variety in perspectives, defintions, and opinions, then comes back to a sort of commonly accepted center from which to diverge. Teh thread was on Steampunk Empire, and I agree with one of the posters that their coloction of photographs is one of the best around for steampunk attire, albeit somewhat more elaborate than average, as people tend to post photos there of only their most fancy attire and accoutrement. In other words they might wear something much simpler if just going out to dance at a club in Steampunk attire or to a more casual social gathering, but others would dress in their finest, regardless.
see below:
Hi,
My Husband and I are planning to attend the Steampunk Fair in NJ this coming May. We are both starting to work on our costumes now. I already have a skirt which I would like to incorporate into my costume in order to cut down on cost ( as I'm sure many are, we will be costuming on a budget ). The skirt is a bustle style black skirt. Its a bit more gothic-Victorian-esque, but I think I can make it work. My thought was to wear a corset and some sort of jacket or shrug with a hat and steampunk it up with the accessories, but I really don't want to show up looking completely gothic-Victorian with one or two steampunk accessories thrown in. Any advice or links to pics that could be helpful would be really appreciated. Also, what sort of personna or character would go with this type of costume? What sort of costume for men would go well with the type of costume I'm trying to build? My husband and I should match, yes?
see below:
Hi,
My Husband and I are planning to attend the Steampunk Fair in NJ this coming May. We are both starting to work on our costumes now. I already have a skirt which I would like to incorporate into my costume in order to cut down on cost ( as I'm sure many are, we will be costuming on a budget ). The skirt is a bustle style black skirt. Its a bit more gothic-Victorian-esque, but I think I can make it work. My thought was to wear a corset and some sort of jacket or shrug with a hat and steampunk it up with the accessories, but I really don't want to show up looking completely gothic-Victorian with one or two steampunk accessories thrown in. Any advice or links to pics that could be helpful would be really appreciated. Also, what sort of personna or character would go with this type of costume? What sort of costume for men would go well with the type of costume I'm trying to build? My husband and I should match, yes?
Reply by Rev. Nicodemus Styles on September 23, 2010 at 7:52am
My goodness, why do you have to match? Certainly it's nice if you look good together, but your characters are entirely up to you. I think you should just let it happen naturally. Talk to each other about your characters and your relationship, and it should all fall into place. Don't "force" it. Let it happen.
And there are many approached people take toward their garb. Just look through the photos on this site for ideas. You can go strictly Victorian if you like, or with a gothic twist. The beauty of it all is that it is entirely up to you. You don't have to "punk" it up if you'd rather not. My suggestion: don't see steampunk as an obligation -- look at it as the freedom to start with a Victorian look and take it anywhere you want to take it. Even if it is just to keep it where it is. As long as you're happy with it, it will be fine.
And there are many approached people take toward their garb. Just look through the photos on this site for ideas. You can go strictly Victorian if you like, or with a gothic twist. The beauty of it all is that it is entirely up to you. You don't have to "punk" it up if you'd rather not. My suggestion: don't see steampunk as an obligation -- look at it as the freedom to start with a Victorian look and take it anywhere you want to take it. Even if it is just to keep it where it is. As long as you're happy with it, it will be fine.
Reply by michael helsem on September 23, 2010 at 8:07am
i think the easiest is to add a bit of metal--preferably brass.
if you can't get through an airport security gate, you're probably on the right track.
m.
PS if it's only steel or aluminum, hobby stores nowadays sell very nice paints to make something more golden or coppery; i plan to do that to my old Buick LeSabre's chromework & wire wheels one day--when i am able to clean 24 years' worth of road grime off them!!
if you can't get through an airport security gate, you're probably on the right track.
m.
PS if it's only steel or aluminum, hobby stores nowadays sell very nice paints to make something more golden or coppery; i plan to do that to my old Buick LeSabre's chromework & wire wheels one day--when i am able to clean 24 years' worth of road grime off them!!
Reply by Holly Dane Martins on September 23, 2010 at 9:06am
The way to develop a concept- think of an occupation, social class, and nationality. Let these ideas inform your choices as you let the details and accessories tell your story.
To make it "steampunk", imagine an innovative way to incorporate technology (or speculation about a science or invention) from the Victorian era into your kit. Take it down any road that strikes your fancy- the Victorians were as much into spiritualism and egyptology as they were into industry, electricity and steam. Color ran riot, as chemical dyes were a major innovation.
If you are staring with pieces you already have or think you want to make within your budget, match them up to how those things fit in the 1800's- who wore them and why? Think of small details needed by people to be accessorized and dressed that modern folk have dispensed with. Then run with it.
To make it "steampunk", imagine an innovative way to incorporate technology (or speculation about a science or invention) from the Victorian era into your kit. Take it down any road that strikes your fancy- the Victorians were as much into spiritualism and egyptology as they were into industry, electricity and steam. Color ran riot, as chemical dyes were a major innovation.
If you are staring with pieces you already have or think you want to make within your budget, match them up to how those things fit in the 1800's- who wore them and why? Think of small details needed by people to be accessorized and dressed that modern folk have dispensed with. Then run with it.
Reply by Knight Redfeild on September 23, 2010 at 11:48am
wow dear that is a very wide open question- I think that steampunk always has a very strong Neo-VIc bass. All the extra stuff makes it steampunk. Taking part of it to the extreme makes it interesting a high collor, I like stripes or something like that. A pocket watch, I don't like the goggles it makes it to easy, though I have them I usually leave them at home. Straps and buckles, put a couple on the skirt under the bustle.
I find men costume easy... not to find but it is what it looks like - start with the same Neo-Vic basic vest, pants, cravat. I would not suggest he be a worker because of your costume but the same rules apply.
the personna is hard that is really up to you. What you have is just so loose, what do you like to do, remember in the end it is part of you? Do you reseach something in your spare time? figuring that out will help you and your husband with the outfits. Are you planing on being a crew? if you do, do you have a crew? do you want your stories to mesh?
sorry I am not more help
yours. Knight
I find men costume easy... not to find but it is what it looks like - start with the same Neo-Vic basic vest, pants, cravat. I would not suggest he be a worker because of your costume but the same rules apply.
the personna is hard that is really up to you. What you have is just so loose, what do you like to do, remember in the end it is part of you? Do you reseach something in your spare time? figuring that out will help you and your husband with the outfits. Are you planing on being a crew? if you do, do you have a crew? do you want your stories to mesh?
sorry I am not more help
yours. Knight
Reply by GothFae on September 25, 2010 at 8:54am
Hi Bridgette, I wouldn't worry about the amount of black in your costume. Although the "official" Steampunk colors seem to be shades of brown with brass accents any Victorian color scheme will work, and the Victorians wore a great deal of black.
For more design ideas than you can possibly use in a life time use google to get to: flickr Steampunk fashion
and go to the Steampunk fashion pool. Allow plenty of time and set it to slideshow. Have fun!
Remember that there are no rules in costuming for Steampunk because, although based in Victorian style, it is extremely revisionist and not historically correct.
We will be vending costumes, clothing and accessories (in the room vending section) at the Steampunk Worlds Fair in NJ in May, so stop by to say hello.
For more design ideas than you can possibly use in a life time use google to get to: flickr Steampunk fashion
and go to the Steampunk fashion pool. Allow plenty of time and set it to slideshow. Have fun!
Remember that there are no rules in costuming for Steampunk because, although based in Victorian style, it is extremely revisionist and not historically correct.
We will be vending costumes, clothing and accessories (in the room vending section) at the Steampunk Worlds Fair in NJ in May, so stop by to say hello.
Reply by Andrew John Craven on September 26, 2010 at 7:29am
To begin with...dont bother with a character pseudonym, stick to your own name. And completely remove 'Costume' from your vocabulary when refering to your SteamPUNK wardrobe and also when refering to other people's 'outfits' at such events and social gatherings.
Ideally your very own personality as well as your interests shines forth from your outfits. With what you can make and what you can accumulate forms your 'residual self', your individuality and makes for good conversation when engaged on the subject of your wears. Having a character name, character status and hence character costume becomes a cliche and narrows your creativity in what you wear. Keep your eye out for stuff that interests you, your knowledge of history, literature, movie and art etc. It creates a broader outlook for you rather than being stuffed in a pot with a fictitious name and of a single fantasy world. The whole point of being a steampunk aside all the other subcultures including Goth is to be yourself, hailing your own adventures in the real world in this day of age. It has always got to be remembered that Steampunk is an art movement born in the 1980's. A sort of backlash of aesthetics with a motive in society in the way we look at fashion, art, object d'art and technology.
I wouldn't worry too much about a prominent goth element to your ensembles. Goth is the grandmother subculture to the steampunk one and there is also such thing as Steamgoth which brings on a sort chiroscuro colour palette to the wardrobe were the steampunk elements find subtlety. Afterall the height of Victorian fashion was prominently black anyway.
Here it has to be said...you can go beyond the Victorian period in look..which ever age inspires you. So far with what you have described you seem to have a good start. I wouldn't worry too much about having a spot on outfit. You do what you can, you get what you can and make do. A good outfit takes time, experience and understanding of how you gradually engage in this subculture. And have fun with it of course.
Another thing that ought to have mention is a matter of invention. Of course its good to see folks getting involved in the making of gadgets and technology to accompany ones ensemble. This is a very important element in Steampunk. I must admit here that I for one have a distinctive military look with what I have spontaneously put together, mainly from ebay. Yet I have not gone so far as to put some eccentric piece of technology other than a pocketwatch to myself. Though I am working on it. I do like to avoid guns as well even though I have a militaristic look these days but its something to be considered if firearms are of your liking.
Andy
Ideally your very own personality as well as your interests shines forth from your outfits. With what you can make and what you can accumulate forms your 'residual self', your individuality and makes for good conversation when engaged on the subject of your wears. Having a character name, character status and hence character costume becomes a cliche and narrows your creativity in what you wear. Keep your eye out for stuff that interests you, your knowledge of history, literature, movie and art etc. It creates a broader outlook for you rather than being stuffed in a pot with a fictitious name and of a single fantasy world. The whole point of being a steampunk aside all the other subcultures including Goth is to be yourself, hailing your own adventures in the real world in this day of age. It has always got to be remembered that Steampunk is an art movement born in the 1980's. A sort of backlash of aesthetics with a motive in society in the way we look at fashion, art, object d'art and technology.
I wouldn't worry too much about a prominent goth element to your ensembles. Goth is the grandmother subculture to the steampunk one and there is also such thing as Steamgoth which brings on a sort chiroscuro colour palette to the wardrobe were the steampunk elements find subtlety. Afterall the height of Victorian fashion was prominently black anyway.
Here it has to be said...you can go beyond the Victorian period in look..which ever age inspires you. So far with what you have described you seem to have a good start. I wouldn't worry too much about having a spot on outfit. You do what you can, you get what you can and make do. A good outfit takes time, experience and understanding of how you gradually engage in this subculture. And have fun with it of course.
Another thing that ought to have mention is a matter of invention. Of course its good to see folks getting involved in the making of gadgets and technology to accompany ones ensemble. This is a very important element in Steampunk. I must admit here that I for one have a distinctive military look with what I have spontaneously put together, mainly from ebay. Yet I have not gone so far as to put some eccentric piece of technology other than a pocketwatch to myself. Though I am working on it. I do like to avoid guns as well even though I have a militaristic look these days but its something to be considered if firearms are of your liking.
Andy
Reply by Holly Dane Martins on September 26, 2010 at 2:03pm
OTOH, "costume" is the linguistically correct term for all clothing, regardless of era or purpose. Here in the US, usually only hardcore SCAdians insist on the word "garb".
As for club subcultures or fandoms, as opposed to improv performance or cosplay recreations where there is clearly a "character" being presented, many choose alternate persona names to clearly distinguish and protect their private lives from their public activities. Sometimes what happens in a club or a scene isn't something people want to be identified with. That's why no one knows the DJ's real name.
Personally, I create distinct and separate characters, since I'm usually performing as part of a show or group with a plot. SP is no more "me" in my regular life than Star Trek or Halloween haunted house/horror acting- and certainly no less. I approach costume from a theatrical perspective- If the viewer doesn't get who I am and what I'm doing in 30 seconds, it's too obscure. Visual communication to support the idea I'm presenting is my goal.
Some see Steampunk as another Science fiction sub-genre with the space to create completely fictional stories and art set in another time, while others see it as a living, current movement in which to exist today. It's a spectrum, to be selected from in what speaks to you.
As for club subcultures or fandoms, as opposed to improv performance or cosplay recreations where there is clearly a "character" being presented, many choose alternate persona names to clearly distinguish and protect their private lives from their public activities. Sometimes what happens in a club or a scene isn't something people want to be identified with. That's why no one knows the DJ's real name.
Personally, I create distinct and separate characters, since I'm usually performing as part of a show or group with a plot. SP is no more "me" in my regular life than Star Trek or Halloween haunted house/horror acting- and certainly no less. I approach costume from a theatrical perspective- If the viewer doesn't get who I am and what I'm doing in 30 seconds, it's too obscure. Visual communication to support the idea I'm presenting is my goal.
Some see Steampunk as another Science fiction sub-genre with the space to create completely fictional stories and art set in another time, while others see it as a living, current movement in which to exist today. It's a spectrum, to be selected from in what speaks to you.
Reply by Andrew John Craven on September 26, 2010 at 2:55pm
Fair enough...the spectrum that people choose from etc.
To be frank...the whole idea of hiding ones real life with character names and so on is a lie to one's self. It faces the question, why would you go out to hide the fact that you are steampunk with such a method? Hiding your true self only tells us one thing. That you are not to be trusted in the eyes of etiquette. Of course this is my own perspective and opinion. I wouldn't want to be the joy-killer. But I must lay down what I see with sincerity. As I like to think myself as an honourable person and an open minded one!
To be frank...the whole idea of hiding ones real life with character names and so on is a lie to one's self. It faces the question, why would you go out to hide the fact that you are steampunk with such a method? Hiding your true self only tells us one thing. That you are not to be trusted in the eyes of etiquette. Of course this is my own perspective and opinion. I wouldn't want to be the joy-killer. But I must lay down what I see with sincerity. As I like to think myself as an honourable person and an open minded one!
Reply by Edward Pearse on September 26, 2010 at 6:06pm
I don't think it's hiding it any more than historical re-enactors hide their "real life" selves while portraying a person from an earlier time period. True, you don't need to adopt a character name but it can help get you into the theme.
I would also vigorously disagree with your origins of steampunk. It was not an ART movement born in the 1980s, it was a literary genre, jokingly named as a parody of cyberpunk, but which had been around for decades before. It's not a backlash against anything.
The 1950s were quite big on Victorian science fiction, though lost out to Westerns and Space Travel. This also means that Goth is NOT the grandmother of the culture. Yes members of that scene are been moving into steampunk, probably because of the shared fascination with Victoriana. That or they've decided they're too old to go clubbing any more.
I would also vigorously disagree with your origins of steampunk. It was not an ART movement born in the 1980s, it was a literary genre, jokingly named as a parody of cyberpunk, but which had been around for decades before. It's not a backlash against anything.
The 1950s were quite big on Victorian science fiction, though lost out to Westerns and Space Travel. This also means that Goth is NOT the grandmother of the culture. Yes members of that scene are been moving into steampunk, probably because of the shared fascination with Victoriana. That or they've decided they're too old to go clubbing any more.
Reply by Andrew John Craven 17 hours ago
Steampunk is an art movement, it is irrefutable. I said born in the 1980's but not specifying where i.e. literature. Steampunk has developed from that development of cyberpunk writing into object- d'art, technology, visual arts, fashion, music, it is a backlash, it is most certainly a retrospective of aesthetics, challenging the current neo-futurist trend. It does this in the form of Punk subculture that embraces utopian ideals as well as dystopian ideals.
What I am saying is that steampunk is an aesthetical motive now despite its humble beginings. And it does contribute to our future. This is why I challenge the uses of pseudonyms, whether it is viable to do so with all this in mind. Of course I bear in mind the 'Uses of Enchantment', quoting that marvelous book by one extraordinary individual, Bruno Bettelheim. But steampunk does go beyond cosplay.
Now, it is quesationed by some steampunkers who live and breath this movement. They question whether cosplay is actually killing steampunk? Because back alley inventors/engineers are seldom seen that epitomises true steampunk! And that is also irrefutable as the epitomy is elementary in 1980's science fiction writing.
GOTH is the grandmother...that is also irrefutable because GOTH is a literary genre born on Strawberry Hill in the 18th century. And our Punk persepctives in the modern age simply developed it in the aesthetics of music and fashion and art. With regards to that literary interest in the 1950's...that is very much like the early Science Romance writing of Jules Verne and HG Wells etc that are not Steampunk....Steampunk is a perspective in writing...looking back in time from a cyber age...hence cyberpunk. There are differences here that shoulded be noted in these three instances of writing styles in different points of time. The early Science Romancers were writing about the future. Steampunk was writing about the past but going back in time with modern ideas. But the modern ideas of the 1980's and on have contrast to those ideas of the 1950's that are going back in time!
What I am saying is that steampunk is an aesthetical motive now despite its humble beginings. And it does contribute to our future. This is why I challenge the uses of pseudonyms, whether it is viable to do so with all this in mind. Of course I bear in mind the 'Uses of Enchantment', quoting that marvelous book by one extraordinary individual, Bruno Bettelheim. But steampunk does go beyond cosplay.
Now, it is quesationed by some steampunkers who live and breath this movement. They question whether cosplay is actually killing steampunk? Because back alley inventors/engineers are seldom seen that epitomises true steampunk! And that is also irrefutable as the epitomy is elementary in 1980's science fiction writing.
GOTH is the grandmother...that is also irrefutable because GOTH is a literary genre born on Strawberry Hill in the 18th century. And our Punk persepctives in the modern age simply developed it in the aesthetics of music and fashion and art. With regards to that literary interest in the 1950's...that is very much like the early Science Romance writing of Jules Verne and HG Wells etc that are not Steampunk....Steampunk is a perspective in writing...looking back in time from a cyber age...hence cyberpunk. There are differences here that shoulded be noted in these three instances of writing styles in different points of time. The early Science Romancers were writing about the future. Steampunk was writing about the past but going back in time with modern ideas. But the modern ideas of the 1980's and on have contrast to those ideas of the 1950's that are going back in time!
Reply by Edward Pearse 14 hours ago
GOTH is a subculture that is an offshoot of Punk and did not exist before the 1970s. It is primarily a musical subculture. The "Gothic novel" started by Horace Walpole had a veneer of influence over the look of the Goth subculture, but Anne Rice has probably had more influence on the Goth scene than Walpole.
And Verne and Wells have nothing to do with steampunk? Since when? They are possibly the two biggest influences on the genre of all time. Though Clute and Nicholls argued that steampunk owes more to Charles Dickens' vision of London than to Wells. Of course I'd be happy for you to provide a reference showing that Steampunk owes it's origins to Walpole. Yes "Victorian fantasies" have changed in style from their originals to the present but so have Gothic novels. Modern steampunk is very stylistically different from the Scientific Romances of the 19th century. So too is Stephenie Meyer from Bram Stoker. THAT is irrefutable.
Steampunkers who "live and breath the movement" have tickets on themselves. The whole "maker" culture has only had been connected to Steampunk in the last 3-4 years and Lifestylers are no more *real* steampunks than people who wear Star Wars costumes are *real* Jedi.
And Verne and Wells have nothing to do with steampunk? Since when? They are possibly the two biggest influences on the genre of all time. Though Clute and Nicholls argued that steampunk owes more to Charles Dickens' vision of London than to Wells. Of course I'd be happy for you to provide a reference showing that Steampunk owes it's origins to Walpole. Yes "Victorian fantasies" have changed in style from their originals to the present but so have Gothic novels. Modern steampunk is very stylistically different from the Scientific Romances of the 19th century. So too is Stephenie Meyer from Bram Stoker. THAT is irrefutable.
Steampunkers who "live and breath the movement" have tickets on themselves. The whole "maker" culture has only had been connected to Steampunk in the last 3-4 years and Lifestylers are no more *real* steampunks than people who wear Star Wars costumes are *real* Jedi.
Reply by Andrew John Craven 4 hours ago
Of course Verne and Wells and their 'Science Romances' has influence, but their perspective in their writing are very different to steampunk writing. They were picturing the future based on currently existing technology and science of the age. As were a steampunk writer pictures the past...two different directions of time, dont you agree...quantum mechanical isnt it and that what contrasts between the Science Romance genre and the Steampunk genre. These writers from the Victorian age has influence and inspires, that goes without question. But Steampunk is a modern idea that those old time writers have never experienced and it goes without question that they will never experience it since they are dead.
Where do you think Anne Rice got her inspiration from? Goth Romance writing has always been prevelant throughout the past two and half centuries and has a major prominence in the history of literature. And its development, developed the way we write novels today...that is why Goth is the grandmother of Steampunk. Because without it, Steampunk would not have been!!!
Look at history old chap..the evidence..and its irrefutable...
Your last paragraph refers to cosplay! Look again at the early cyberpunk and steampunk novels of the 80's and study their content. You will find in those novels, the concepts are of a persons immersion in conceptual worlds. This explores alternatives of mainstream aesthetics. This is art and I speak as an artist. Cosplay is a mere trifle that seems to have been taken for granted. Here Punk does not exist with regards to Punk's original aesthetical ideals i.e. DIY fashion...Cosplay means you are buying off the peg steampunk outfits which defies the individualistic values of Punk subcultures i.e. goth, cyberpunk, steampunk etc. And that steals the creativity in steampunk..infact it sells it out as a consumeristic caper.
I dont expect every steampunker to be a 'maker' of retro-tech machines and gadgetry. But its a punk movement nontheless and its main motive is the making of machines as those books show to us!
Where do you think Anne Rice got her inspiration from? Goth Romance writing has always been prevelant throughout the past two and half centuries and has a major prominence in the history of literature. And its development, developed the way we write novels today...that is why Goth is the grandmother of Steampunk. Because without it, Steampunk would not have been!!!
Look at history old chap..the evidence..and its irrefutable...
Your last paragraph refers to cosplay! Look again at the early cyberpunk and steampunk novels of the 80's and study their content. You will find in those novels, the concepts are of a persons immersion in conceptual worlds. This explores alternatives of mainstream aesthetics. This is art and I speak as an artist. Cosplay is a mere trifle that seems to have been taken for granted. Here Punk does not exist with regards to Punk's original aesthetical ideals i.e. DIY fashion...Cosplay means you are buying off the peg steampunk outfits which defies the individualistic values of Punk subcultures i.e. goth, cyberpunk, steampunk etc. And that steals the creativity in steampunk..infact it sells it out as a consumeristic caper.
I dont expect every steampunker to be a 'maker' of retro-tech machines and gadgetry. But its a punk movement nontheless and its main motive is the making of machines as those books show to us!
Reply by Edward Pearse 1 hour ago
My final word on this topic:
Steampunk is not a punk subculture. The "punk" was a purely tongue-in-cheek reference to finding a marketing genre. Punk is an anti-establishment subculture, frankly quite the opposite of steampunk which allows for people to become Lords, Ladies and military officers. There's nothing rebellious about becoming part of the nobility (unless perhaps you're an American).
And while I personally make the distinction between Cosplay and Costuming, your comment "Cosplay means you are buying off the peg steampunk outfits" really shows your ignorance. I've been a costumer for 35 years. I've never bought one *off the peg*. It's true that some people do, but most costumers make their own.
Obviously we have very different understandings of what steampunk is and where it's come from and despite your claim that your ideas are irrefutable, they are refutable quite easily. Either that or you don't understand what irrefutable means either.
Steampunk is not a punk subculture. The "punk" was a purely tongue-in-cheek reference to finding a marketing genre. Punk is an anti-establishment subculture, frankly quite the opposite of steampunk which allows for people to become Lords, Ladies and military officers. There's nothing rebellious about becoming part of the nobility (unless perhaps you're an American).
And while I personally make the distinction between Cosplay and Costuming, your comment "Cosplay means you are buying off the peg steampunk outfits" really shows your ignorance. I've been a costumer for 35 years. I've never bought one *off the peg*. It's true that some people do, but most costumers make their own.
Obviously we have very different understandings of what steampunk is and where it's come from and despite your claim that your ideas are irrefutable, they are refutable quite easily. Either that or you don't understand what irrefutable means either.
Reply by GothFae 11 hours ago
IMHO; re steampunk rules and roots
Steampunk is now a growing cultural phenomenon and as with any trend, the arguing of the "real" roots, though interesting, becomes a moot point. A cultural movement becomes what it is at the current moment and as much as many would like to control it and keep it in its original "pure" state that train has long since left the station.
I discovered Steampunk a few years ago while doing online research for Gothic fashion. The word kept coming up so I googled it and got about 200 "hits". I just googled it now and got 27million. I had googled it last week and got only 26 million. Anything growing by a million internet hits a week cannot really be controlled by any "rules".
When I explain Steampunk to someone, and I am a true missionary of Steam, I usually start with:
"It is a view of the future as seen through Victorian eyes based on the technology known to them at that time. It is the futuristic vision of HG Wells and Jules Vern and more recently it is apparent in both the old tv series "Wild, Wild West" and the recent movie of that name. It is "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" and the current movie of Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Junior. I go on to say that both the classic literary and current cinematic examples mentioned, as well as contemporary Steampunk literature, generally contain the idea that technology is a double edged sword; that it can be used equally for good and evil, an idea that is also very prevalent in our cultural view of technology today. I point out that the Victorians view of future science and technology was in many ways much like our own; that we have come to realize that, like Mary Shelley's Frankenstein monster, what appears at first to be a positive scientific idea, can rapidly become dangerous and uncontrollable."
Of course at that point either their eyes have glazed over or they are eager for more info.
That all being said, for most of the now most likely millions of lovers of Steampunk culture the original question and premise of this discussion is the most important. It has become a time-travelers/role players paradise with massive opportunities to dress up and invent. It was estimated that (and I was there so I can verify that this is true) at least 98 percent of the attendees at last spring's Steamunk Worlds Fair" in NJ came in costume. I can testify that many of them changed outfits (and sometimes personas) several times during each day of the 3 day event (in true Victorian fashion) and had an even more elaborate outfit for the night-time activities.
Steampunk, like Gothic culture before it, has become all about your costume, (or outfit, or garb: a rose by any other name). However, an interesting thing has happened In the case of Steampunk fashion versus Gothic fashion; "who" and "what" you are (and by extension what you can make,be that guns or short stories) is as, if not more, important at any Steampunk event than what one is wearing, ie. ones persona is important.
In that way, it seems evident to me, whatever its original roots were, that Steampunk as it is "practiced" today has much more in common with re-enactors, LARP and the SCA than with any literary basis. The literary and cinematic aspects have remained important in that they keep the original Victorian based philosophy alive and help ground us in the visual, be that retro-futuristic computers or Victorian ghost busting equipment or a spectacular neo-Victorian ladies hat.
Steampunk is now a growing cultural phenomenon and as with any trend, the arguing of the "real" roots, though interesting, becomes a moot point. A cultural movement becomes what it is at the current moment and as much as many would like to control it and keep it in its original "pure" state that train has long since left the station.
I discovered Steampunk a few years ago while doing online research for Gothic fashion. The word kept coming up so I googled it and got about 200 "hits". I just googled it now and got 27million. I had googled it last week and got only 26 million. Anything growing by a million internet hits a week cannot really be controlled by any "rules".
When I explain Steampunk to someone, and I am a true missionary of Steam, I usually start with:
"It is a view of the future as seen through Victorian eyes based on the technology known to them at that time. It is the futuristic vision of HG Wells and Jules Vern and more recently it is apparent in both the old tv series "Wild, Wild West" and the recent movie of that name. It is "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" and the current movie of Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Junior. I go on to say that both the classic literary and current cinematic examples mentioned, as well as contemporary Steampunk literature, generally contain the idea that technology is a double edged sword; that it can be used equally for good and evil, an idea that is also very prevalent in our cultural view of technology today. I point out that the Victorians view of future science and technology was in many ways much like our own; that we have come to realize that, like Mary Shelley's Frankenstein monster, what appears at first to be a positive scientific idea, can rapidly become dangerous and uncontrollable."
Of course at that point either their eyes have glazed over or they are eager for more info.
That all being said, for most of the now most likely millions of lovers of Steampunk culture the original question and premise of this discussion is the most important. It has become a time-travelers/role players paradise with massive opportunities to dress up and invent. It was estimated that (and I was there so I can verify that this is true) at least 98 percent of the attendees at last spring's Steamunk Worlds Fair" in NJ came in costume. I can testify that many of them changed outfits (and sometimes personas) several times during each day of the 3 day event (in true Victorian fashion) and had an even more elaborate outfit for the night-time activities.
Steampunk, like Gothic culture before it, has become all about your costume, (or outfit, or garb: a rose by any other name). However, an interesting thing has happened In the case of Steampunk fashion versus Gothic fashion; "who" and "what" you are (and by extension what you can make,be that guns or short stories) is as, if not more, important at any Steampunk event than what one is wearing, ie. ones persona is important.
In that way, it seems evident to me, whatever its original roots were, that Steampunk as it is "practiced" today has much more in common with re-enactors, LARP and the SCA than with any literary basis. The literary and cinematic aspects have remained important in that they keep the original Victorian based philosophy alive and help ground us in the visual, be that retro-futuristic computers or Victorian ghost busting equipment or a spectacular neo-Victorian ladies hat.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Pro-LIfe VS Pro-Choice debates and boycots in our Steampunk Community
Recently a boycott was called for of our most beloved Generator Steampunk Cafe, because the owner opted to post a notice she was going to spend a day sporting a red arm band and red duct tape over her mouth to protest against legal abortion and to try to get others to observe a day of silence for those unborn children who cannot speak for themselves. As expected there was an outcry about her trying to advertise a personal and religious as well as politically based controversial agenda to her customers and in the business. Some are requesting a boycott and will probably succeed in getting many of the establishment's customers to vote with their wallets by boycotting the place. I can almost guarantee that since those most strongly in favor of the boycott used to be the places strongest supporters (and the one that lived most nearby) within our new Steampunk Illumination Society that our meetings of 20 to 60 members are unlikely to occur there in the future. Ah well....what exactly does one expect? I have tried to take a more contemplative approach rather than an outspoken one to this, because, as a psychological counselor and social worker, I see the aftermath of every possible decision this debate espouses. Frankly the only decision regarding abortion that does not represent a greater or lesser of many types of tragedy is the decision to avoid the problem in the first place by heavily educating and advocating for all members of society to teach and hold responsible all parties before the fact instead of after it's too late. Men especially have to be taught to act like men, not self absorbed psychopaths in terms of their attitudes to the question of unwanted pregnancy, and women have to step up to the plate and treat these irresponsible men that care nothing about their lovers or what life they create as the monstrous social parasites that they are. In other words, if you know they act that way, refuse to date them, or have anything to do with them, until and unless, you see real actions and not just pretty lies showing that they finally grew up and joined the human race. OK-that's my opinion anyway.
Below is my response to the call for the boycott and the responses for and, well, if not against, at least suggesting more moderate responses:
There were a great number of for and against posts on the Generator Coffee Shops facebook site, but I am sad to say, that other than the owner, who had very intelligent and compassionate things to say about her desire to courageously express her opinions about protecting unborn children, most posts supporting her desire to protest legal abortion (by wearing red duct tape over her mouth and a red band on her arm) looked like super fundamentalist gibberish that is at the heart of the causes of the problem to begin with. Those are the same people that refuse to allow serious public discussion of and eduction about contraception or even about being responsible adults in any way after the unwanted pregnancy occurs. Any topic other than abstinence (...yea, like that's gonna happen 100% of the time for all teens in this or any country!) is strictly taboo and somehow they see any rationale discussion of options as profane. I am sorry to see it come to this. Many kind hearted souls with appropriate and healthy concerns for a child, unborn or otherwise, rightly believe they should speak about their feelings, but think that their distorted political presentation of the issues is the only solution or even any sort of effective solution. Just like with drunk driving, legislation has a very limited effect on what people are foolish enough to do. Illegalizing abortion may well have caused more death and tragedy than it stopped. The only thing that will be likely to make a real impact on the number and severity of all the tragedies that occur in an around any unwanted pregnancy, is to fully educate and heavily encourage socially responsible and "pro-life" actions before the unwanted pregnancy occurs by either avoiding the sex (essentially a hopeless idea and ridiculous to consider any solution) or teaching people how to be more responsible when they give in to desire by using effective contraception and making responsible decisions to avoid any child being engendered in the first place in an unwanted situation. Unfortunately the idea of teaching and encouraging safe sex, to prevent the situation occurring is strongly resisted by the same people that want to illegalize the only alternatives left available after the fact. In other words, it seems that many "pro-life" politicians and advocates actually help create the tragedy that leads to abortions in the first place which is clearly not a very "pro-life" thing to do. I assure you as a psychological counselor and as a social worker that whatever decision a young girl (often barely a ten in the DFW area) makes regarding an unwanted pregnancy, the outcomes are almost all tragic with some degree of lifelong scars. In many cases the children are also left in situations that may actually be a fate worse than death. I treat the abused children that find themselves in these situations, even the ones abused in some of the not so wonderful foster homes. As such, my soapbox is not to question your right speak your mind about this, but rather to suggest that "blessed are the peacemakers" can also apply to this situation where it would be far more effective to treat any young men that show a total disregard for the fate of their lover or their child as the predatory psychopath they prove themselves to be, and to insist that the young girls recognize this and act accordingly. Until that happens, "pro-life" is just a phrase and does not actually accomplish what you most desire, which is the kind hearted and very appropriate desire to protect an unborn child. I support your intent whole heartedly, but do not like having it pushed as a political agenda only, because the package that normally comes along with it insists we do little or nothing to stop the tragedy of unwanted pregnancies occurring, then give politicians the power to play doctor and psychologist after the fact when they know little or nothing about what they are doing in this area. That is why this is so controversial to begin with. I think it unlikely there are many "anti-life" people that ever come to your shop, so we all want the same thing, but differ only on whether or not we believe politicians can legislate the problem away.ion for reckless sexual "trophy hunting" in high schools and junior highs.
Below is my response to the call for the boycott and the responses for and, well, if not against, at least suggesting more moderate responses:
I don't disagree with any of the opinions you are expressing, but I have a thought or two to consider about this particular situation. I think the real problem is that religious extremists try to make it appear that only those that advocate for legislating things such as what decision a woman can or cannot make in private with her physician are actually "pro-life" or concerned about the current and future fate of everyone concerned including unborn children. The reality is that we all need to take responsibility for heavily working to overcome this conspiracy of silence that supports ignorance about contraception and supports reckless neglect of responsibility by both parents, especially the all too easily excused father, both before and after the fact. I think we need to work quite heavily on teaching men to act like adults before any unwanted pregnancy occurs, instead of supporting the idea of politicians playing psychologist and physician in a fascist sort of way. I think once the topic is mentioned widely enough; however, people will vote with their wallet about whether they feel business owners should push personal agendas. I don't want to pass any legislation about that either. It is entirely likely the owner does not realize that most people on both sides of the argument are actually pro-life and against the creation of this type of tragic situation, where any unborn child is coming into an unwanted situation. Ideal worlds do not exist, but perhaps we can work to make it a little closer to the desired reality by educating any so called "pro-lifers" willing to listen that there are few, if any "anti-lifers", just people with different opinions about how effectively legislation can make the tragic situation better instead of making it much worse. We need to try to get people to understand the hypocrisy of fighting education and encouragement of responsible behaviors then expect the government to step in and try to control the aftermath that such attitudes create. Do we need to boycott the Generator? Like everything else related to this debate, In my line of work as a psychological social worker, I have seen into the hearts of those caught in this sort of tragedy, including the children who were kept through term and thrust into a place where they were not wanted, and I find no clear cut answers to any of it.
There were a great number of for and against posts on the Generator Coffee Shops facebook site, but I am sad to say, that other than the owner, who had very intelligent and compassionate things to say about her desire to courageously express her opinions about protecting unborn children, most posts supporting her desire to protest legal abortion (by wearing red duct tape over her mouth and a red band on her arm) looked like super fundamentalist gibberish that is at the heart of the causes of the problem to begin with. Those are the same people that refuse to allow serious public discussion of and eduction about contraception or even about being responsible adults in any way after the unwanted pregnancy occurs. Any topic other than abstinence (...yea, like that's gonna happen 100% of the time for all teens in this or any country!) is strictly taboo and somehow they see any rationale discussion of options as profane. I am sorry to see it come to this. Many kind hearted souls with appropriate and healthy concerns for a child, unborn or otherwise, rightly believe they should speak about their feelings, but think that their distorted political presentation of the issues is the only solution or even any sort of effective solution. Just like with drunk driving, legislation has a very limited effect on what people are foolish enough to do. Illegalizing abortion may well have caused more death and tragedy than it stopped. The only thing that will be likely to make a real impact on the number and severity of all the tragedies that occur in an around any unwanted pregnancy, is to fully educate and heavily encourage socially responsible and "pro-life" actions before the unwanted pregnancy occurs by either avoiding the sex (essentially a hopeless idea and ridiculous to consider any solution) or teaching people how to be more responsible when they give in to desire by using effective contraception and making responsible decisions to avoid any child being engendered in the first place in an unwanted situation. Unfortunately the idea of teaching and encouraging safe sex, to prevent the situation occurring is strongly resisted by the same people that want to illegalize the only alternatives left available after the fact. In other words, it seems that many "pro-life" politicians and advocates actually help create the tragedy that leads to abortions in the first place which is clearly not a very "pro-life" thing to do. I assure you as a psychological counselor and as a social worker that whatever decision a young girl (often barely a ten in the DFW area) makes regarding an unwanted pregnancy, the outcomes are almost all tragic with some degree of lifelong scars. In many cases the children are also left in situations that may actually be a fate worse than death. I treat the abused children that find themselves in these situations, even the ones abused in some of the not so wonderful foster homes. As such, my soapbox is not to question your right speak your mind about this, but rather to suggest that "blessed are the peacemakers" can also apply to this situation where it would be far more effective to treat any young men that show a total disregard for the fate of their lover or their child as the predatory psychopath they prove themselves to be, and to insist that the young girls recognize this and act accordingly. Until that happens, "pro-life" is just a phrase and does not actually accomplish what you most desire, which is the kind hearted and very appropriate desire to protect an unborn child. I support your intent whole heartedly, but do not like having it pushed as a political agenda only, because the package that normally comes along with it insists we do little or nothing to stop the tragedy of unwanted pregnancies occurring, then give politicians the power to play doctor and psychologist after the fact when they know little or nothing about what they are doing in this area. That is why this is so controversial to begin with. I think it unlikely there are many "anti-life" people that ever come to your shop, so we all want the same thing, but differ only on whether or not we believe politicians can legislate the problem away.ion for reckless sexual "trophy hunting" in high schools and junior highs.
I tried to tone the above down a little, so it didn't come off as a rant before posting anything. Below is my actual post to their site:
I am sorry to see it come to this. Many kind hearted souls with appropriate and healthy concerns for a child, unborn or otherwise, rightly believe they should speak about their feelings, but think that the distorted political presentation ...of the issues is the only solution or even any sort of effective solution. Just like with drunk driving, legislation has a very limited effect on what people are foolish enough to do. Illegalizing abortion may well have caused more death and tragedy than it stopped. The only thing that will be likely to make a real impact on the number and severity of all the tragedies that occur in an around any unwanted pregnancy, is to fully educate and heavily encourage socially responsible and "pro-life" actions before the unwanted pregnancy occurs by either avoiding the sex (essentially a hopeless idea and ridiculous to consider any solution) or teaching people how to be more responsible when they give in to desire by using effective contraception and making responsible decisions to avoid any child being engendered in the first place in an unwanted situation. Unfortunately the idea of teaching and encouraging safe sex, to prevent the situation occurring is strongly resisted by the same people that want to illegalize the only alternatives left available after the fact. In other words, it seems that many "pro-life" politicians and advocates actually help create the tragedy that leads to abortions in the first place which is clearly not a very "pro-life" thing to do. I assure you as a psychological counselor and as a social worker that whatever decision a young girl (often barely a teen in the DFW area) makes regarding an unwanted pregnancy, the outcomes are almost all tragic with some degree of lifelong scars. In many cases the children are also left in situations that may actually be a fate worse than death. I treat the abused children that find themselves in these situations, even the ones abused in some of the not so wonderful foster homes. As such, my soapbox is not to question your right speak your mind about this, but rather to suggest that "blessed are the peacemakers" can also apply to this situation where it would be far more effective to treat any young men that show a total disregard for the fate of their lover or their child as the predatory psychopath they prove themselves to be, and to insist that the young girls recognize this and act accordingly. Until that happens, "pro-life" is just a phrase and does not actually accomplish what you most desire, which is the kind hearted and very appropriate desire to protect an unborn child. I support your intent whole heartedly, but do not like having it pushed as a political agenda only, because the package that normally comes along with it insists we do little or nothing to stop the tragedy of unwanted pregnancies occurring, then give politicians the power to play doctor and psychologist after the fact when they know little or nothing about what they are doing in this area. That is why this is so controversial to begin with. I think it unlikely there are many "anti-life" people that ever come to your shop, so we all want the same thing, but differ only on whether or not we believe politicians can legislate the problem away.
Below is my wife's comment on the whole affair, just to give you a well rounded view of how this sort of thing affects the community even when handled in the most mature fashion possible-which I think this was:
Radha Narasimhan:
Well, this is sad and very surprising me to considering their choices to to use fair trade goods, include vegetarian options on the menu, and to seem to support the Steampunk movement. I think what bothers me the most is it is typical of the same group of people that make noise about being "pro-life" to oppose sex education and free contraception so they actually are responsible for generating a good deal of unplanned pregnancies by taking away options that would prevent the situation. They also tend to be religious fundamentalists which is also not something I, Ramon, and Jyoti want to have to deal with. We vote as a family to not go back. This event belongs at their church, in my opinion, not at a public restaurant. Are there any plans to send them a letter in regards to why so many of us have chosen to not support Generator?
Comedy Pirate VS Privateer skit for Carnivale of Creatures (and possibly Yulecon)
The Covenant of Kraken Players, mostly Radha and Myself, with some assist from others, will be rehearsing and preparing to perform a skit about how she is trying to get me to take her to Carnevale and I am being too much of a work-a-holic obsessed with his latest "man toy" gadget which, just as you might imagine, is a really big gun. Actually it's a really big, ugly, recycled junk looking, ray gun, that he got a "pirated version" of (yes pun intended) that requires an unusually large amount of regular maintenance and fine tuning to keep in proper working order. She first tries pleasant flirtation, then irritation (the nerve of her suggesting we are pirates instead of respectable privateers!), and finally infuriation, to break him of the demon possession like grip of the "new man toy/gadget-whatever thingy" and get him to take her to the Carnevale which is about to start, because for crying out loud, it's the early 1500s and they are anchored right off the coast of Venice! Well, needless to say, murder, mayhem, and well, OK, just the mayhem part ensues. Sword fights, gun play, and far worse-insults intending to suggest the old man is...well...an old man, just to get him to react ensue! In the end, I even give in to that most mysterious craving of audiences, a bit of slapstick. That one is not normally in my vocabulary, much less my repertoire, but I couldn't find a way to avoid it, dig around, it or replace it, so I just plunged in and found the water was just fine!
When it's done it will get You Tubed, put on stage, and possibly appear on short and long form depending on time allotted for the skit. Canevale is planning for all skits to limit to 5 minutes, but 15 is better when other venues permit.
When it's done it will get You Tubed, put on stage, and possibly appear on short and long form depending on time allotted for the skit. Canevale is planning for all skits to limit to 5 minutes, but 15 is better when other venues permit.
Mad Scientist Gig for UNT Film Project
I, Admiral Ramon Leon del Mar, High Lord Admiral of the Covenant of the Kraken and leader of the Covenant of the Kraken Players, have been asked to put away my uniform, my sword, my blunderbus, my rayguns and all (well OK, they actually wanted one of the rayguns) and portray a Mad Scientist. Me...a mad scientist! He actually said he thought it would be good type casting and would be easy for me to do method acting! What did I say in response to these slanderous sounding suggestions? I said I'd love to do it, and I agreed that he probably was right that I could play the role of a frustrated professor that was more than a bit cracked in the head, and pissed off at lazy, disrespectful, self absorbed students, almost, but not quite as much as at the totally incompetent and utterly evil administrators that drive off really good professors with their sinister plats, ego-mania, and generally humiliating politics. Am I ranting yet? Good. Getting into character is very important!
Actually this is somewhat serendipitous as I admit that one of the reasons I haven't made a more serious attempt to get into teaching (Mental Health Social Work) at the university level is that first, there are no job openings as internal connections and reputation are the only way to get hired unless you are hired straight out of your graduate program through your doctoral chair's recommendations, and more importantly, the politics actually scare me a little. Yup, Admiral Ramon the fearless is at least mildly intimidated about the idea of trying to pretend to be a good little sheep in such a Machiavellian world as that of Academia. While I might not actually lop off any limbs with my sword, I would spend a lot of time fantasizing about it and would probably eventually betray my deep Steampunkish rebellious streak right about at the part where they started coaching me on the best and most traditional postures to assume while kissing the superior's posterior, a most important and critical job skill for any, but the most highly sought after science researchers. Sooner or later I would find it hard not to tell them how silly they all were and suggest they go watch some Monty Python instead of writing appraisals of one another as it might make far more sense than their typical ravings.
Well, back to the point. Apparently the film project involves a burned out and quite mad science professor that invents a ray gun that can make drunken university students highly suggestible, so they will do whatever he tells them to. NO...I don't think playing Hanky Panky with young co-eds is in the script, even as the reason for why he falls from grace and goes off to work on his inventions in secret, as this is definitely a PG rated video and besides, why would anyone need a special ray gun to get into that kind of trouble with drunken college students? Well, I guess he decides to take over the world, or at least take revenge on the administration that fired him or worse, denied him tenure! Again, one wonders why a special invention would be needed to make drunken college students suggestible enough to get them to go bust things up or set fire to buildings, but, then of course, I haven't seen the script yet.
Yea...I said I'd love to do it! I still have to audition actually, but he's pretty sure my personality would make just the sort of lunatic he is looking for...whatever that means. I'll let you know how it goes and post the final you tube address here regardless.
Actually this is somewhat serendipitous as I admit that one of the reasons I haven't made a more serious attempt to get into teaching (Mental Health Social Work) at the university level is that first, there are no job openings as internal connections and reputation are the only way to get hired unless you are hired straight out of your graduate program through your doctoral chair's recommendations, and more importantly, the politics actually scare me a little. Yup, Admiral Ramon the fearless is at least mildly intimidated about the idea of trying to pretend to be a good little sheep in such a Machiavellian world as that of Academia. While I might not actually lop off any limbs with my sword, I would spend a lot of time fantasizing about it and would probably eventually betray my deep Steampunkish rebellious streak right about at the part where they started coaching me on the best and most traditional postures to assume while kissing the superior's posterior, a most important and critical job skill for any, but the most highly sought after science researchers. Sooner or later I would find it hard not to tell them how silly they all were and suggest they go watch some Monty Python instead of writing appraisals of one another as it might make far more sense than their typical ravings.
Well, back to the point. Apparently the film project involves a burned out and quite mad science professor that invents a ray gun that can make drunken university students highly suggestible, so they will do whatever he tells them to. NO...I don't think playing Hanky Panky with young co-eds is in the script, even as the reason for why he falls from grace and goes off to work on his inventions in secret, as this is definitely a PG rated video and besides, why would anyone need a special ray gun to get into that kind of trouble with drunken college students? Well, I guess he decides to take over the world, or at least take revenge on the administration that fired him or worse, denied him tenure! Again, one wonders why a special invention would be needed to make drunken college students suggestible enough to get them to go bust things up or set fire to buildings, but, then of course, I haven't seen the script yet.
Yea...I said I'd love to do it! I still have to audition actually, but he's pretty sure my personality would make just the sort of lunatic he is looking for...whatever that means. I'll let you know how it goes and post the final you tube address here regardless.
Computer/Console Games Related to Steampunk
I have not really ventured much into PC or console games that are thought of as "Steampunk", but here are what various sites list as at least loosely related games of interest to our subculture as a group. Take a look at the following links to sites about other Steampunk oriented or modified games online, computer, console, or whatever medium:
http://www.mobygames.com/game-group/steampunk-games
http://www.gadzooki.com/gaming/notable-steampunk-games/
http://www.gadzooki.com/gaming/notable-steampunk-games/
http://www.steampunktribune.com/2010/02/steampunk-games-cogs-by-steam.html
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/14918/steampunk-games
http://neosteam.atlusonline.com/history.aspx
http://www.mobygames.com/game-group/steampunk-games
http://www.gadzooki.com/gaming/notable-steampunk-games/
http://www.gadzooki.com/gaming/notable-steampunk-games/
http://www.steampunktribune.com/2010/02/steampunk-games-cogs-by-steam.html
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/14918/steampunk-games
http://neosteam.atlusonline.com/history.aspx
History of Steampunk
The following is a collection of links to articles that I think of of the best quality on this topic, one which I do not consider myself adequately enough informed and experienced to blog much about myself.
They should take you to the complete article, at least until they don't, which is is of course likely to happen sporadically on alternate Thursdays, whenever the site does the Gypsy thing and moves, or when the Internet Gods, the "Gremlins" deem it is time to destroy connections and force us to look up new info. or create it ourselves. That can be a real pain when it comes to history as that is one thing worthy of preservation. Maybe I'll save a few of these in totality later on a page, but for now take a look at this:
http://steampunkscholar.blogspot.com/2010/08/history-of-steampunk-by-cory-gross.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk
http://steampunkworkshop.com/cory-gross-history-steampunk-part-v-putting-punk-steampunk
http://www.steampunktribune.com/2008/01/steampunk-history-guilded-age.html
They should take you to the complete article, at least until they don't, which is is of course likely to happen sporadically on alternate Thursdays, whenever the site does the Gypsy thing and moves, or when the Internet Gods, the "Gremlins" deem it is time to destroy connections and force us to look up new info. or create it ourselves. That can be a real pain when it comes to history as that is one thing worthy of preservation. Maybe I'll save a few of these in totality later on a page, but for now take a look at this:
http://steampunkscholar.blogspot.com/2010/08/history-of-steampunk-by-cory-gross.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk
http://steampunkworkshop.com/cory-gross-history-steampunk-part-v-putting-punk-steampunk
http://www.steampunktribune.com/2008/01/steampunk-history-guilded-age.html
Friday, September 24, 2010
Dance as Steampunk
To Quote, or at least praphrase some steampunk friends of ours from Brazil: We believe there is music of special interest to many in the Steampunk Culture which often embodies their culture, attitudes, and wishes, fantasy or otherswise, so we believ this music can be reasonably called Steampunk Music. As specialized adaptations of various forms of dance have been made and blended specifically for the purpose of dancing to this music, it follows that there is such a thing as "Steampunk Dance" as well...
Here's the link, but I warn you that it's all in Portuguese, and my paraphrase may be less than perfect as my abilities in that tongue are still limited. They also posted video links of dancing adaptations at a Brazilian event they were specifically referring to as examples.
http://www.steampunk.com.br/2010/03/15/steampunk-a-danca-e-o-movimento/
We also have Steampunk Dance here in Texas. It tends to be varoius adaptations of bellydance, especially sinuous and serpent like belly rolls and similar moves, blended with trance dancing (the truly self-hypnotic and/or "Drawing Down" trancing at Pagan Revel fires, more than the Rave style), and various other styles such as Latin, Swing, or other Ballroom into a beautiful androgynous blend that is best suited to middle Eastern or African drums blended with modern instruments. We, and as many of our Flagship's crew as can make it, dance this way every Friday Night in Steampunk attire. We wear whatever is the least restrictive or cumbersome, and is the most Cool (both meanings) along with various Steampunk Jewelry, accents, watches, skeleton keys, goggles etc, but try to wear a little different combination every night. This tends to be a cross between sexy and post apocalyptic, mostly because we can't dance weel in heavy clothing or with too many layers in a hot crowded club in Texas. Wearing our full regalia, is simply not an option, but no one mistakes us for anything other than Steampunks!
Our Confederation of Steampunks, the Covenant of the Kraken, is specifically intended to encourage and support all of the arts as they relate to Steampunk, as opposed to simply a social or networking group like the many others we are involved with. As such, we encourge those that do not at least enjoy writing fiction, acting it out, costuming, or directly involving themselves in making Steampunk music, dance, video etc in some way to join their local networking group instead. We do; however, strongly encourage all our members to join those same networking groups in addition to Covenant of the Kraken rehearsals and performances.
I would like to repost a tongue in cheek ad we posted regarding crew qulifications for our flagship, the Kali's Hourglass. It actually does relate well to all those already on that crew, expecially in light of the fact that Steampunk Dancing is our most frequent group activity, and we use it in performance art at local events as well.
Here's the link, but I warn you that it's all in Portuguese, and my paraphrase may be less than perfect as my abilities in that tongue are still limited. They also posted video links of dancing adaptations at a Brazilian event they were specifically referring to as examples.
http://www.steampunk.com.br/2010/03/15/steampunk-a-danca-e-o-movimento/
We also have Steampunk Dance here in Texas. It tends to be varoius adaptations of bellydance, especially sinuous and serpent like belly rolls and similar moves, blended with trance dancing (the truly self-hypnotic and/or "Drawing Down" trancing at Pagan Revel fires, more than the Rave style), and various other styles such as Latin, Swing, or other Ballroom into a beautiful androgynous blend that is best suited to middle Eastern or African drums blended with modern instruments. We, and as many of our Flagship's crew as can make it, dance this way every Friday Night in Steampunk attire. We wear whatever is the least restrictive or cumbersome, and is the most Cool (both meanings) along with various Steampunk Jewelry, accents, watches, skeleton keys, goggles etc, but try to wear a little different combination every night. This tends to be a cross between sexy and post apocalyptic, mostly because we can't dance weel in heavy clothing or with too many layers in a hot crowded club in Texas. Wearing our full regalia, is simply not an option, but no one mistakes us for anything other than Steampunks!
Our Confederation of Steampunks, the Covenant of the Kraken, is specifically intended to encourage and support all of the arts as they relate to Steampunk, as opposed to simply a social or networking group like the many others we are involved with. As such, we encourge those that do not at least enjoy writing fiction, acting it out, costuming, or directly involving themselves in making Steampunk music, dance, video etc in some way to join their local networking group instead. We do; however, strongly encourage all our members to join those same networking groups in addition to Covenant of the Kraken rehearsals and performances.
I would like to repost a tongue in cheek ad we posted regarding crew qulifications for our flagship, the Kali's Hourglass. It actually does relate well to all those already on that crew, expecially in light of the fact that Steampunk Dancing is our most frequent group activity, and we use it in performance art at local events as well.
Qualifications Desired for Crew Members for Kali's Hourglass
While our primary role is as Time Traveling Privateers who look for opportunities to upset the balance of power in various centuries and thereby give the common man and woman a chance to bargain for better conditions in a harsh world, we also just love to dance! That certainly is not a requirement for a crew member on board the other vessels in our Covenant of the Kraken collective, (although it helps), but on board the Kali's Hourglass, crew should be ready and willing to dance at a moments notice! Granted this does not work well in the middle of a naval engagement as, we are not only rather busy at that moment reloading all the cannons and trying to edge more speed out of the sails, but all the cannon fire tends to make it hard to hear the dance music well enough to keep on the beat! As such, ongoing naval battles are one time that crew members are not required to drop what their doing, and grab their instruments or kick off their shoes for a rousing dance on the deck! This exception for naval battles does not count simple chase engagements with poorly armed vessels where only a few gun crews are busy trying to take out their sails as we rather like to dance during such long and otherwise mostly uneventful chases.
Now you may think this is a waste of time on board a ship of war, but I assure you it is not! It not only keeps our crew fit, well connected, and fearless, but as we learned during our time living among the Aztecs, a warrior that can dance for 4 hours (some would go for 6 to 8) straight in the blazing sun has enormous strength, endurance, and wind capacity. They have used this as a primary means of strength and endurance training for millennia in that part of the world. After seeing them run races and testing strength with weaponry against them, I must say I was incredibly impressed! One of their warriors can cleave through the enemy (or more often block blows while trying to knock others unconscious as they like to take them alive, just like us, but for very different reasons that we won't go into) for almost a solid hour without hardly working up a good sweat. With that kind of endurance, our boarding parties can wear out the crews of even the largest Man of War/Ship of the Line and then go on to the next. Of course we wear specially designed, floating (in case you get knocked overboard or slip on the boarding planks) armor, shields, and helmets, so we don't go down under swords as easily as most, but if we tire too fast, it won't really matter much will it?.
Yes indeed, our time spent living among the Aztecs was very educational. Of course we reciprocated by sharing what medical knowledge we had (mostly Indian Ayurvedic medicine in trade for their own vast knowledge of herbs etc, and most importantly, taught them the signs of and how to contain and stop the spread of contagious European diseases such as the smallpox and dysentery, the real conquerors of the Aztec realm. We also introduced them to gunpowder weapons such as cannons, metal armor such as breastplates, and explained that war dogs and horses are not monsters and that warriors on horseback are just a man, in a metal suit riding a tamed beast rather than the two headed monsters the locals were destined to mistake them for otherwise. In other words, we did, what we always do, we helped out the underdogs against abusive tyrants. While we are good enough businessmen and women that we always keep our crews happy by making a good profit in the process, we keep future technology secret, but shift the balance of power in ways that slow the conquest of endangered people and allow them to bargain for better treatment and hold off the worst tyrants of the era as long as possible. We often share current era, not futuristic, technology with underdogs that current era tyrants are trying to enslave and suggest ways they can use this knowledge to resist being enslaved, abused, or slaughtered by those who got the current technology earlier than the others. (Boy won't Cortez be surprised !)
This should also level the playing field a bit by helping them clear up any confusion about whether Spanish conquistadors in metal hats and silly pumpkin pants are actually Quetzalcoatl returned. Of course I am having a little trouble convincing them to stop all the rumors flying that I am Quetzalcoatl returned, but Montecazuma said that I am fulfilling that role for his people just as the real Quetzalcoatl wanted it fulfilled by helping them understand and protect against a dangerous foe while bringing people together to find new forms of sacrifice that require less human waste. Even he found that second part a little odd at first, but I reminded him that the original Quetzalcoatl refused any and all human sacrifices and accepted only the sacrifice of his symbolic animals, namely snakes and butterflies (& sometimes birds). That satisfied him and the rest of the allied tribes and a true revival of Quetzalcoatl worship was reborn as the primary sect of their empire. While this did not stop human sacrifice all together there when doing special rites for particular Gods, it did cut way back on it especially at the times of dedication of the latest layer of beautification and enlargement of the main temples which usually happened about once in each emperor's life. They used to round up human enemies to sacrifice in great number for that special event (about once each generation), but now, they just round up rattlesnakes and butterflies, because I insisted and cited historical precedent to back it. (I knew those 20th century anthropology books would come in handy!)
Well back to the point. We expect all crew members of our flagship to work on playing instruments, dancing, making art (like the beautiful gold, jade, and feather masks the Aztecs gave us) , drama, poetry, and making beautiful, yet practical clothing, armor, and weapons design etc as part of their normal daily activities and as a way to evolve, to quote Dear Dr. Darwin's writings, into the most wonderful creature they can become!
Of course this has to happen around normal duties such as cannon, musket, and saber drill, knot tying class, swimming and stealthy boarding class, sail rigging class, hand to hand fighting class, etc. We do ; however, have fun competitions and award highly desirable prizes such as a full bottle of our special "Kraken Rum" along with the next day off to recover of course. (Putting a beast in your belly can be fun, but a bit intense for the faint hearted and they are never any good on the deck the next day anyway. Kept missing the targets and setting sails on fire during cannon practice don't ya know!!!)
Oh I should mention, that while we have swept away prohibition of women as crew members, (in spite of the silly local superstitions of most sailing ship era sailors about the Sea Goddess Calypso being so jealous of human women that she would try to sink any ship they sailed on, you are not allowed to tell everyone about he special rituals Admiral Radha performs to pacify the Goddess Calypso (and/or our ship's namesake) and to pacify and reassure our superstitious male sailors. We just let it remain a mystery among the various allies and enemies we encounter. They all think we are witches or something anyway, but are just too afraid to say so. I suppose since technology that is misunderstood is often mistaken for magic, that should not be surprising. After all, while we try hard not to show our advanced weapons, we do use clever tactics, new gun carriage designs, and other advantages from future eras in our battles. Our exploding rounds also have the uncanny luck of tending to explode just when we want them to, unlike those of our enemies, but by their very nature, exploding cannon rounds are difficult to examine after the fact. We also appear at times to be from another world or time. Perhaps that is because it is sometimes true!
While our primary role is as Time Traveling Privateers who look for opportunities to upset the balance of power in various centuries and thereby give the common man and woman a chance to bargain for better conditions in a harsh world, we also just love to dance! That certainly is not a requirement for a crew member on board the other vessels in our Covenant of the Kraken collective, (although it helps), but on board the Kali's Hourglass, crew should be ready and willing to dance at a moments notice! Granted this does not work well in the middle of a naval engagement as, we are not only rather busy at that moment reloading all the cannons and trying to edge more speed out of the sails, but all the cannon fire tends to make it hard to hear the dance music well enough to keep on the beat! As such, ongoing naval battles are one time that crew members are not required to drop what their doing, and grab their instruments or kick off their shoes for a rousing dance on the deck! This exception for naval battles does not count simple chase engagements with poorly armed vessels where only a few gun crews are busy trying to take out their sails as we rather like to dance during such long and otherwise mostly uneventful chases.
Now you may think this is a waste of time on board a ship of war, but I assure you it is not! It not only keeps our crew fit, well connected, and fearless, but as we learned during our time living among the Aztecs, a warrior that can dance for 4 hours (some would go for 6 to 8) straight in the blazing sun has enormous strength, endurance, and wind capacity. They have used this as a primary means of strength and endurance training for millennia in that part of the world. After seeing them run races and testing strength with weaponry against them, I must say I was incredibly impressed! One of their warriors can cleave through the enemy (or more often block blows while trying to knock others unconscious as they like to take them alive, just like us, but for very different reasons that we won't go into) for almost a solid hour without hardly working up a good sweat. With that kind of endurance, our boarding parties can wear out the crews of even the largest Man of War/Ship of the Line and then go on to the next. Of course we wear specially designed, floating (in case you get knocked overboard or slip on the boarding planks) armor, shields, and helmets, so we don't go down under swords as easily as most, but if we tire too fast, it won't really matter much will it?.
Yes indeed, our time spent living among the Aztecs was very educational. Of course we reciprocated by sharing what medical knowledge we had (mostly Indian Ayurvedic medicine in trade for their own vast knowledge of herbs etc, and most importantly, taught them the signs of and how to contain and stop the spread of contagious European diseases such as the smallpox and dysentery, the real conquerors of the Aztec realm. We also introduced them to gunpowder weapons such as cannons, metal armor such as breastplates, and explained that war dogs and horses are not monsters and that warriors on horseback are just a man, in a metal suit riding a tamed beast rather than the two headed monsters the locals were destined to mistake them for otherwise. In other words, we did, what we always do, we helped out the underdogs against abusive tyrants. While we are good enough businessmen and women that we always keep our crews happy by making a good profit in the process, we keep future technology secret, but shift the balance of power in ways that slow the conquest of endangered people and allow them to bargain for better treatment and hold off the worst tyrants of the era as long as possible. We often share current era, not futuristic, technology with underdogs that current era tyrants are trying to enslave and suggest ways they can use this knowledge to resist being enslaved, abused, or slaughtered by those who got the current technology earlier than the others. (Boy won't Cortez be surprised !)
This should also level the playing field a bit by helping them clear up any confusion about whether Spanish conquistadors in metal hats and silly pumpkin pants are actually Quetzalcoatl returned. Of course I am having a little trouble convincing them to stop all the rumors flying that I am Quetzalcoatl returned, but Montecazuma said that I am fulfilling that role for his people just as the real Quetzalcoatl wanted it fulfilled by helping them understand and protect against a dangerous foe while bringing people together to find new forms of sacrifice that require less human waste. Even he found that second part a little odd at first, but I reminded him that the original Quetzalcoatl refused any and all human sacrifices and accepted only the sacrifice of his symbolic animals, namely snakes and butterflies (& sometimes birds). That satisfied him and the rest of the allied tribes and a true revival of Quetzalcoatl worship was reborn as the primary sect of their empire. While this did not stop human sacrifice all together there when doing special rites for particular Gods, it did cut way back on it especially at the times of dedication of the latest layer of beautification and enlargement of the main temples which usually happened about once in each emperor's life. They used to round up human enemies to sacrifice in great number for that special event (about once each generation), but now, they just round up rattlesnakes and butterflies, because I insisted and cited historical precedent to back it. (I knew those 20th century anthropology books would come in handy!)
Well back to the point. We expect all crew members of our flagship to work on playing instruments, dancing, making art (like the beautiful gold, jade, and feather masks the Aztecs gave us) , drama, poetry, and making beautiful, yet practical clothing, armor, and weapons design etc as part of their normal daily activities and as a way to evolve, to quote Dear Dr. Darwin's writings, into the most wonderful creature they can become!
Of course this has to happen around normal duties such as cannon, musket, and saber drill, knot tying class, swimming and stealthy boarding class, sail rigging class, hand to hand fighting class, etc. We do ; however, have fun competitions and award highly desirable prizes such as a full bottle of our special "Kraken Rum" along with the next day off to recover of course. (Putting a beast in your belly can be fun, but a bit intense for the faint hearted and they are never any good on the deck the next day anyway. Kept missing the targets and setting sails on fire during cannon practice don't ya know!!!)
Oh I should mention, that while we have swept away prohibition of women as crew members, (in spite of the silly local superstitions of most sailing ship era sailors about the Sea Goddess Calypso being so jealous of human women that she would try to sink any ship they sailed on, you are not allowed to tell everyone about he special rituals Admiral Radha performs to pacify the Goddess Calypso (and/or our ship's namesake) and to pacify and reassure our superstitious male sailors. We just let it remain a mystery among the various allies and enemies we encounter. They all think we are witches or something anyway, but are just too afraid to say so. I suppose since technology that is misunderstood is often mistaken for magic, that should not be surprising. After all, while we try hard not to show our advanced weapons, we do use clever tactics, new gun carriage designs, and other advantages from future eras in our battles. Our exploding rounds also have the uncanny luck of tending to explode just when we want them to, unlike those of our enemies, but by their very nature, exploding cannon rounds are difficult to examine after the fact. We also appear at times to be from another world or time. Perhaps that is because it is sometimes true!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Revolutionary Era (aka Victorian) Steampunk Fashion
Let me begin by saying that if the age of steam is the only historical era from which Steampunk Fashion can be derived, then we have already undermined most, if not all previous definitions of the genre, as there is nothing fictional or even science fictional about any of it at that juncture. Steampunk is about Victorian era views of possible futures combined with modern re-imaginings of the past, and not a fascist like strict adherence to much of anything!
On the other hand, if attire is taken from a specific era, it makes sense to denote it as such. Steampunk; however, as a term, could easily apply to the century, or even two prior to the 1800s, because it is science fiction written about technology that appears a bit early for it's time, and frankly, steam engines were invented by Archemedes in Greece around 260 BC. They just didn't have good enough metallurgy and gas law knowledge to build a sufficiently strong boiler to or pistons to make full use of it yet. In the age of powerful iron Cannons; however, they could have very easily brought about the full power of steam as early as say, the American and/or French Revolutions, also referred to as the Georgian Era. As such I make no apology for referring to Georgian Attire, if used in a steampunk setting and mixed with Steampunk accoutrement, as being a definite form of "Steampunk Fashion". This is especially true when using Steampunk fictional works, albeit my own, as the basis for it's original design and for it's very Steampunk drama related usage.
Besides, some elements of that clothing style continued in men's formal wear and in military Uniforms, especially Naval Uniforms of High Ranking Officers well into the early years of the Victorian Era. This is not surprising as formal Victorian Attire has been worn, in non Steampunk settings, in my own lifetime now. I know as I wore it!
My formal black tie level Army Officer Uniform, when I served in a Cavalry Division, was almost an direct copy of the American Cavalry Officer Uniform from the end of the Civil war, with the one exception that the hat is a replica of Naval Officer attire and the rest of the jacket trousers etc were clearly from the Cavalry. (As I modified that outfit specifically for the purpose of using it as an Admiral's Uniform from the Victorian era, this change of hats was convenient for me.) I cannot say if non-cavalry Units use the same black tie uniform or not as that is only division I served in. I also have seen wealthy men married or simply attending formal dinners in ties and tails within my own lifetime, although the tuxedo styles have certainly changed since then. I also have fashion history books that show clothing very similar to what Ben Franklin and George Washington wore demonstrated as wealthy attire for Gentlemen around 1810. As such, it is important that people recognize that styles of dress were not uniform thought the era and certainly not in all parts of the world during that era. I will discuss and demonstrate a little of what I mean about Georgian Steampunk attire below.
I have heard the time period prior to the Victorian era referred to as the Renaissance Era, but at least in terms of fashions, this must be broken down much further at least into several different centuries rather than including everything from 1500s forward until the Age of Enlightenment. We specialize in Naval costumes from a variety of centuries, but when I looked up the technical terms in "History of Fashion", the time period between 1600 AD to 1900 includes first Baroque, then the age of enlightenment, and finally the "Revolutionary Period" when sympathizers with the French revolution everywhere began adopting bicorn hats, instead of tricorn, or turning their tricorn hat backwards so as to avoid being confused with the rich guys headed to the guillotine. They also changed many other clothing styles including a great increase in striped pants.
This time period, the 100 years prior to the age of Queen Victoria, is also referred to simply as the Georgian Era, in honor of the several King Georges who came one after another during that century in England. Well, I guess that all of those time periods apply to some of what I most often prefer as I wear things often associated with the "Golden Age of Piracy" mixed with very military naval attire from that general period. I just enjoy clothing more that doesn't look similar to something I could pull off the rack at my local thrift store and put together in an older style. Enlightenment era Through Georgian/Revolutionary Era clothing includes things like knee britches or in some time periods and areas "pantaloons (which I love for comfort, coolness in Texas, and ease to sew), which started going out of style around 1800 (though not completely for formal wear), thigh length elaborate vests, and a different style of coat.
As it is easy enough to find Victorian Steampunk, I don't need to say much about that, lovely as it is, but will include a photo of the Uniform (now modified) that I mentioned along with a couple of dapper gents and a lady in Victorian Steampunk Attire for contrast below. Victorian attire is not so difficult for males, if they aren't obsessive about details, as styles of formal attire have been maintained to some degree, but the ladies find Victorian clothing so challenging as to pretty much require a large budget or good sewing skills and a lot of time. Men's attire can be put together from a few thrift store trips plus appropriate jewelry, hat, and goggles, but women's attire is far more difficult. As a result they often wear more Victorian undergarments, without the large, complex, and bulky skirts, especially hoop skirts, and just anyone to question why they are attending Steampunk events in what might be considered alluring, but terribly scandalous in the Victorian times. Frankly, I rather like it, and I wouldn't wear one of those gigantic bulky skirts in a Texas summer either even if I was in any way inclined to the wearing of women's clothing, which I'm generally not. (Of course it is very pretty women's clothing, so I might be persuaded sometime, at least for a laugh, and I'm quite sure I would look far less elegant and far more funny, than the lovely ladies we go around with in a formal Victorian Evening gown!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)