Steampunk for Beginners: Is That a Ray Gun in Your Hand?
Steampunk Hits the Streets
If you’ve seen anyone walking around recently with parasols, goggles or ray guns, cancel that call to Homeland Security. Metropolitan cities are being invaded, but not by anyone hostile. The trend is called steampunk, and it’s something of a treat, especially if you’re into transforming metal, wood and brass into fantastic, handcrafted creations. Here’s a few tips on how to recognize (and understand!) this interesting sub-culture.
1. Steampunk: What is it?
The term Steampunk refers to the Victorian age that this trend is primarily influenced by, an age where steam power was used almost exclusively. Steampunk draws from a Neo-Victorian aesthetic, in which human potential, incredible inventions and fantasy abounds. The French author, Jules-Verne is a fundamental source of inspiration, and his Journey to the Center of the Earth and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea exemplify the aesthetic and cultural landscape of the Steampunk mindset.
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2. Steampunk: Should I be afraid?
One of the tenets of Steampunk is unbridled optimism, so although it’s natural to feel frightened when you happen upon a fellow wielding a souped-up ray gun, stay calm: he is a real gentleman! Like so many lifestyle trends, Steampunk is anti-establishment, but don’t look for a can of spray paint in their hands. Steampunkers are intensely creative, talented people. Just take a look at the things they come up with!
3. Steampunk: The oddest green trend ever?
Steampunk goes to great lengths to transform basic, utilitarian objects into magnificent, fantastical art pieces that actually work. Laptops, helmets, USB keys, watches, portable phones and headsets become part of the Steampunk aesthetic when “modded” with period-appropriate materials like iron, brass and wood. Throw in some accessories (parasols, petticoats, stockings and bustles for the ladies, spats, watch fobs, and vests for the men) and you’re good to go.
So the next time you head out to the recycling bin, take a minute to think about the potentially delightful things you’re getting rid of. Why not organize a series of Steampunk Saturdays and invite your friends and neighbors to mod up their telephones? Am I too Utopian, or is Steampunk this decade’s friendliest green trend?
Photo Credit: FoxTongue under a Creative Commons License
My friend Chelsie did her wedding in a steampunk theme and while I missed out due to a husband gone for the military, taking care of a kid, and being 7 months pregnant, the pictures from her wedding are absolutely awesome. It is a really neat style, thanks for an enlightening article on the subject.
[...] to have a “Steampunk” theme over the last few years. If you aren’t sure what Steampunk is, this is a great article to help you get [...]
Hi! Iam a bit long in the tooth, but have always had a soft spot for Victorian (steam age) oddities, and steampunk has brought these to the notice of many, the idea of people making thier own Steampunk objects is great.I for instance have made a Nerf conversion, an idea from the young, and am in the middle of making a from scratch Steampunk gun. I like the idea of young people making and getting into a good healthy trend.good luck to all of them. cheers Andrew from the UK.
I agree with you, Andrew- it’s great that people are working with their hands for fun! Good luck with your Nerf conversion…!