Yesterday I had a meeting with the Junk Mafia about some upcoming projects and we started talking about STEAMPUNK. What is it?? How did it get started??  What are the key ingredients to make something register as steampunk??  And finally… how does the Steampunk idea fit into the world of Re-Cycle * Re-Purpose * Re-LOVE??

I most often see the word ‘Steampunk’ when looking through hand crafted jewelry ~ especially on ETSY.  I’ve wondered what it is but have never taken the time to research it until tonight.

 
Steampunk Tripod Floor Lamp + Sam Van Olffens’ Art from Art via Art Donovan. Steampunk Art.

STEAMPUNK defines an entire culture that is often associated with Science Ficton or fantasy.  From fashion and music, to applications of technology, Steampunk is usually set in a historical setting resembling the Victorian era.  While the Steampunk genre is set in the past, or a world resembling the past, it is the concept that modern technological developments occurred earlier in history, but were accomplished via the technology already present in that time period. For example, airships, submarines, typing tools and others objects were reimagined as mechanical devices that were powered by steam.

 
Steampunk Bracelet from EDM Designs on ETSY

Steampunk originated in the late 1980’s as an answer to society’s obsession with the rapid pace of new invention and technology, it’s a trend that pays homage to the early days of the Industrial Revolution, steam and spring powered technology.

How do you know that something fits into the category of STEAMPUNK?? 

According to MTV Steampunk MUSIC you will often feature orchestral characteristics, or possibly a Tom Waits-esque metallic, gritty sound. A lot of steampunk bands offer a merging of different tones and instruments.

Steampunk Style at Home via The Steampunk Home

Regarding FASHION MTV describes the Steampunk trend as a look that reflects the Victorian and early Edwardian eras (roughly 1801-1910). Corsets, gowns, frock coats and top hats are accompanied by goggles, ancillary wings, compasses and DIY accessories. Much like the extraordinary world of literature, steampunkers accept that everyday items can perform unconventional tasks. For example, a pocket watch would double as a time machine, or a compass could navigate you through the stars.”

Steampunk Threads

I think that the STEAMPUNK concept is best summed up byThe Steampunk Home Blog… “It’s finding a way to combine the past and the future in an aesthetic pleasing yet still punkish way. It’s living a life that looks old-fashioned, yet speaks to the future. It’s taking the detritus of our modern technological society and remaking it into useful things.”

So it’s taking old things and repurposing them to be something new that looks even older… I guess that’s Re-Cycle * Re-Purpose * Re-LOVE

This idea will be featured this morning on the Junk in my Trunk Radio Show {JIMT} which airs every Monday, Thursday & Saturday from 10am till 11am on Kansas City’s 1140am KCXL & 1160am KCTO. You can also LISTEN LIVE on the Internet… visit JunkMafia.com and click on the Little Red Radio at the bottom of the page.

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Posted on Thursday, July 15th, 2010 at 9:54 am under Flea Market List, Love It!! and . Comment RSS 2.0 feed. Comments/Pings Closed.