What is Steampunk?
What is Steampunk?
By recollections On April 9, 2011 · With the Steampunk subculture recently being featured on the current TV series “Castle”, in the comic strip “Luann”, and in Steampunk-inspired gadgets and machines featured in the current “Warehouse 13” series, Steampunk is poised to emerge as a mainline culture and lifestyle on the world scene. While the movement has its roots in many works published as early as the 1960’s, the actual term Steampunk is credited to the science fiction author K.W. Jeter in 1987. Jeter was trying to find a general term to categorize a collection of literary works all set in 19th-century Victorian England. Although there has been some association of Steampunk with Cyberpunk, the two are really separate and distinct styles. In general Cyberpunk tends to present a dark, brooding worldview, while the Steampunk outlook is one of adventure and optimism. There seems to be something for everyone in the mélange of ideas that is Steampunk. It is expressed in science fiction, anachronistic technology, and Victorian romance all the while embracing the best modern concepts like re-use and re-cycling of resources. The Steampunk look is Victorian in concept, but is most distinctive when the dress is enhanced by whimsical, fanciful mechanical “technology”, which is often built in to part of the costume. There are no set guidelines, but rather Victorian-inspired trends. Period accessories like watches, gloves, top hats, and parasols are often part of the look. Modern devices like cell phones are often carried as well, but only after being considerably “modded” to appear suitably Victorian. Steampunk has become a regular feature at many annual events, like the SalonCon – the first neo-Victorian/Steampunk convention, and the two-day masquerade ball Labyrinth of Jareth. At the San Diego Comic-Con International event , Saturday is known as “Steampunk Day”, and has become a major photo event for the media. While it might be easy to assume that Steampunk is all about dressing up, making interesting steam-driven gadgets, and turning the clock back to a more interesting time, it is clear that many Steampunks view it as more. For them, it is a way to provide a critique and a visible contrast to our current society, and to gently offer alternative ways for dressing and viewing the world. One of the emerging hallmarks of the Steampunk movement seems to be their overall acceptance and inclusion of other, similar trends. For example, Neo-Victorian or Goth followers would be comfortable and accepted among Steampunks, as would a devotee of Cyberpunk. Whether you elect to simply dress in this romantic fashion, or make it a bigger part of your life the invitation is there for you to become part of this lively, creative scene! more.......
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Steampunk 101
Steampunk 101 GD Falksen What is steampunk?
In three short words, steampunk is Victorian science fiction. Here “Victorian” is not meant to indicate a specific culture, but rather references a time period and an aesthetic: the industrialized 19th century. Historically, this period saw the development of many key aspects of the modern world (mechanized manufacturing, extensive urbanization, telecommunications, office life and mass-transit), and steampunk uses this existing technology and structure to imagine an even more advanced 19th century, often complete with Victorian-inspired wonders like steam-powered aircraft and mechanical computers. Where did steampunk come from? In some sense, steampunk has existed since the 19th century. The Victorian period had its own science fiction, perhaps most famously embodied by the works of Jules Verne and H. G. Wells, and throughout the 20th century there have been later-day science fiction stories set in the Victorian period. However, the term “steampunk” was not coined until the late 1980s, when author K. W. Jeter used it humorously to describe a grouping of stories set in the Victorian period written during a time when near-future cyberpunk was the prevailing form of science fiction. Where does the sci-fi come in? The line between steampunk and period Victorian is extremely narrow, and often the two are indistinguishable. They are separated only by steampunk’s status as science fiction, albeit heavily inspired by the historical fact of the Victorian period. This is generally accomplished in one of two ways. The “proto-steampunk” stories of the 19th century can be seen as a parallel to our own science fiction; that is, a view of the future from the present. For the Victorians, this meant imagining a future that looks dramatically un-modern to modern eyes. Submarines, space travel, aircraft and mechanized life were all imagined by the Victorians, but while some of these came very close to the mark they still differed from where the future actually went. For modern writers, with the benefit of modern science, steampunk becomes a re-imagining of the 19th century with a view of where science will one day go. In this way, steampunk often works to translate modern concepts such as the computer revolution, spy thrillers, noir mysteries and even the Internet into a Victorian context using Victorian technology. Steampunk becomes the perfect blending of alternate history and science fiction. Where does the steam come in? Steampunk’s steam references more than simply the technology itself, although steam engines are a vital aspect of life in a steampunk world. Steam more generally signifies a world in which steam technology is both dominant and prolific. During the Victorian era, steam power revolutionized almost every aspect of life. The steam engine made full-scale industrialization possible and produced mechanical power more efficiently and to greater degrees than human and animal labor could manage on their own. Mechanized manufacturing and farming caused an upheaval in the structure of working life, but they dramatically increased society’s productivity and freed up an entire section of society to form the modern class of professionals and office workers. The changes in society brought on by steam-driven industrialization allowed for the unprecedented developments in sciences, society and goods that came to be associated with the Victorian era. Steampunk takes inspiration from these changes and applies them to whatever culture it influences. Where does the punk come in? Ironically, it doesn’t. As was mentioned earlier, the term “steampunk” is a tongue in cheek reference to the cyberpunk genre rather than a reference to the punk subculture. Moreover, “punk” in the context of punk rock was the product of very specific circumstances following the Second World War, which makes it fundamentally distinct from the Victorian aesthetic that inspires steampunk. However, individuals interested in exploring a steampunk equivalent to 20th century punk can find a wealth of material in 19th century counterculture groups ranging from the Luddites to utopians to hooligans. Add a dash of Victorian street culture and a sprinkling of ragtime, and steampunk “punk” comes into focus. What about gears? The gear is an easily recognized symbol of steampunk, but it is not unique to the genre. It was invented long before the 19th century and it remains in use today. The gear in steampunk joins related devices such as flywheels and pistons as the “power lines” of the steam age. Steam power is mechanical power and its transmission demands a network of moving parts in the same way that electrical power transmission demands wires. The gear on its own is not especially “steampunk” but when put to use in 19th century machinery it becomes a key icon of the genre. What about goggles? Goggles are often encountered in steampunk clothing and imagery, and this can create the misleading impression that they are somehow fundamental to the “steampunk look.” Certainly, goggles are associated with both science and mechanized travel, both of which are common themes in steampunk. However, this does not mean that everyone in a steampunk setting wears goggles; in fact, only people who have a reason to wear them do so, and then only while it is useful. As with scarves, driving coats, aprons and overalls, goggles are a piece of fashion that can help give life to a steampunk world when used properly and in moderation, but can rapidly border upon the ludicrous when turned into an end rather than a means. What is the appeal of steampunk? A genre as large as steampunk has a wide-ranging appeal. Some people are drawn to it from a love of the Victorian period. Others enjoy steampunk’s unique approach to technology: re-imagining modern capabilities with 19th century machines. Many people are drawn to it in light of its fashion aspects, which allow them to sample and even combine a range of clothing styles and accessories from across the 19th century world. One critical aspect of steampunk is the tremendous diversity of appeal it presents, which allows it to offer something for just about everyone. Steampunk is also aided by a more general neo-vintage movement, which has been steadily progressing through mainstream fashion, film and aesthetics, but even this cannot wholly explain steampunk’s appeal. The genre possesses a life of its own that draws in fans from countless directions and backgrounds into a world where fashion is tailored to the individual, goods are made to last, and machinery is still regarded as a thing of visual majesty. Steampunk sounds great! Where’s an easy place to start? The basic rule of thumb for steampunk is “start period and then add.” One of steampunk’s great advantages is that the period it is inspired by, the Victorian era, saw the invention of photography and cinematic film. These in turn allowed for a visual record of people from all different classes, cultures and backgrounds, providing an unprecedented amount of reference material. People looking for fashion ideas, character inspirations or scenes to describe can find a wealth of starting points in the countless vintage photographs and film reels left over from the 19th century. All that remains is to add to or modify the depictions to taste, though it must be remembered that many aspects of a steampunk world and its people will likely remain virtually indistinguishable from the period that inspires them. G. D. Falksen is a writer and student of history who has given lectures on the steampunk genre and subculture. He has confessed a certain fondness for ragtime. Further details can be found on his website, www.gdfalksen.com Steampunk 101:
http://www.tor.com/component/content/blog/58009
http://www.tor.com/blogs/2009/10/steampunk-101 What is Steampunk?:
http://etheremporium.pbworks.com/w/page/10454262/What-is-Steampunk
GREAT ARTICLE: http://blog.dawnsrise.com/2010/01/what-is-steampunk.html |
A Sample of Steampunky Films :
Around the World in 80 Days
Castle in the Sky
The City of Lost Children
The Golden Compass
The Great Train Robbery
Edward Scissorhands
Howl's Moving Castle
Hellboy
The Illusionist
Last Exile - Positional Play
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
Perfect Creature
The Prestige
Sherlock Holmes (new)
Stardust
Steamboy
Van Helsing
Wild Wild West
Young Sherlock Holmes
Around the World in 80 Days
Castle in the Sky
The City of Lost Children
The Golden Compass
The Great Train Robbery
Edward Scissorhands
Howl's Moving Castle
Hellboy
The Illusionist
Last Exile - Positional Play
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
Perfect Creature
The Prestige
Sherlock Holmes (new)
Stardust
Steamboy
Van Helsing
Wild Wild West
Young Sherlock Holmes
What is Steampunk? A Subculture:
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1595812/steampunk-subculture-looks-poised-move-above-ground.jhtml
Wikipedia: Steampunk
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk