Steampunk is... Part 2: Steampunk vs. Retrofuturism

An unexpected Part Two of my previous article Steampunk is... For a few I was already asking myself the question. What makes Steampunk unique from other similar visual styles under the Retro-Futuristic umbrella, like Retrotronics. Now, many one genres like Dieselpunk, etc. are marketing terms, or tags, to make certain stories and designs sound more unique or because of the human obsession to label things that, 'look a bit different'. Steampunk is no exception, except is it was the first name invented for alternate history stories, like the Difference Engine, and Retro-Futurism as a visual style was a big thing yet. For better, or for worse, we are stuck with Steampunk, although a name like Retropunk would be a more honest alternative. Or at least cause less confusion. But would I really do the philosophy justice?


Steampunk, what does it really mean? Too people I mean. Or myself for that matter. Somethings you need someone to remind you what your passion is really about. Some criticized me for not writing about Steampunk as a feeling... And yes, that is very true. Maybe it is because of my academic training, or maybe it's because of a lack of inspiration. Who knows. But these last few weeks I came to a realization. A concept not alien to me, but something I lost a connection with and failed to put into words. Not for the lack of trying, but because I looked in the wrong place.

Now, I talked about Retro-Futurism (which I will now call Retropunk) in my last article and that Steampunk falls under that umbrella. What I failed to do was to make a clear separation between the two. Not because I didn't want to, but because I couldn't. Till a week ago, when my good friend Olly, from Rattles and Wheels,  gave me the insights that I needed. It that point I wish I had a recorder of some form, because what he told me was frigging gold!

Steampunk, is just a name. A play on Cyberpunk. But the nowadays it means so many things to many people. Such many things I ended my last piece with, 'Steampunk is a feeling.' So subjective It doesn't really mean anything, and I really wouldn't hurt to replace it with, Retropunk. But again, would a new, more general name cover the idea of Steampunk?

Some have argued that Steampunk 'has to involve' Steampowered contraptions. Now, this idea has been rejected by many, including yours truly. Many critics, like myself, believe it is too limiting, rather arbitrary, and would get in the way of future innovation. It is just a reference to a powersource common in the nineteenth century to emphasis the importance of technology within the genre. Yes, technology. Not just Steamengines. The Anachronistic Person's passion is represented in general by the Gear. the Cog and the Wrench. Sure we love trains, but to wear these as symbols are rather uncommon, even along Steampunks. Gears and Tools are timeless inventions that have been used by the ancient Mesopotamians and will be used when we displace the original Martians to Pluto, or somewhere else.
So, what about the Punk part? This can refer to both it's reactionary and anachronistic nature. To translate, a rejection of conformity, and the use of anachronism. With the rejection of conformity comes the idea of technological devices as personalized items that tells something about those who own them. This could be a ordinary pocketwatch, handed down from parent to child, or a scratchbuild Tesla Arc Cannon.
So, while Retro-Futurisme is an apt description on the surface, it doesn't describe what rests underneath. Steampunk is about making the impossible, possible, with Science! And technology. As a subculture we enjoy the idea of technological progress. Any Technological Progress, in past, present and future. We love to imagine an era were the Steampunk philosophy would have been realized. Our own Scratchbuild Society so to speak, with the elegance of past design. If we could, we would probably create our own little world like a display in a Steampunkish Snowglobe.

Capital of Cuberia by Vladmir Petkovic

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Real Steampunk is..?

 *This article has a part 2. Read it here.*

 

 
This weekend I have to face the challenge of: 'Having to explain Steampunk(!) to a lay audience!' How do you represent something, nobody can agree on? Well, a objective definition would be nice. Good luck with that one. But I tried. Is it satisfactory? You decide.

 

For me Steampunk means three separate things, that should not be confused with one another.

1. A genre of Alternate History stories derived of, the Science-Fiction, genre Cyberpunk (aka Cyberpunk in the past).

2. A visual design style that is both inspired by history and futuristic idea's and inventions. (aka Retro-Futurism)

3. The subculture, and it's collection of idea's, inspired by both Steampunk designs and/or Stories.* (Edited on 30-12-2015)

So, you can have a story or movie that has the Retro-Futuristic visuals Steampunk is known for, but is not a Steampunk Story. Or have a Steampunk were a Retro-Futuristic aesthetic is barely or not present. Steamboy is probably on of the few real Steampunk movies I know, but uses it real sparingly. I know more movies were the exact opposite is true.

All the definitions that I have seen (till now) try to conflate these three point into one neat sentence. But no one seems to agree on what this sentence should be. There are many reasons for this.

One of the reasons is, Steampunk is really inclusive. It fans of Steampunk will often include anything that is RetroFuturistic and say. 'Look at this! Steampunk is meanstream now!' But is it?
Another trend is to include terms like 'Victorian' or 'Steampowered' into the description.
Now, these are term that have their own subjective definitions that don't really mean anything. Steam-engines are not unique to the nineteenth century and Queen Victoria, has even less to do the the industrialization that is such a big inspiration for Steampunk.
To defend to use of the term Victorian, it actually refers to the nineteenth idea of progress, what series like Star Trek are known for. However, I would argue it's not wise to have an description that needs an disclaimer. Than there is the 'emotional baggage' and other stigma's that comes with the term 'Victorian'; I am talking about racism, imperialism, religious oppression, eugenics and all that other stuff most Steampunks don't like to think about.
Also it has a very limited scope, both in timeframe and geographically.I also find it very meaningless because when looking at costumes, real Victorian inspired costumes are more of an exception then the rule.  

Off course, my description isn't foolproof and includes about everything Retro-Futuristic in nature. But I do think it is important to realize that Steampunk has not invented Retro-Futurism or has a monopoly on 19th century inspired designs. When Prada or another 'mainstream' designer has a fashion line inspired by English Gentlemen or Victorian era chaps, it doesn't mean it's Steampunk or has been inspired by it. That it looks the same doesn't mean it is the same. Also, there are many works of fiction that include Retro-Futuristic elements that are not Steampunk, like Warhammer 40.000 and a lot of Japanese animation. To know the difference you have to look at the context and intention I suppose. But I won't get into that right now.   

The opposite is also true. When fans of Steampunk don't like something they are quick to say. 'That ain't real Steampunk!' On that all I can say is, Steampunk, apparently, is a feeling.

Read Part 2 of this artcle here.

Reflecting on four years of Emporium Vernesque, and my conclusions

With the fourth and final edition of Emporium Vernesque behind us I had some time to reflect on four years of this great event, organized by Johanna Theresia and Dick Zwart.
But next year there will be a musicnight with some Steampunk-themed bands without the market, workshop and the like. And that will be the final bow for this great event. Thanks Johanna and Dick for this great event. I'll wager It will be fondly remembered for many years. Not only was it an event that attracted the best of Steampunk the Dutch community had to offer, it gave the Dutch community an international reputation for being outstanding (rather this is really true remains to be seen) by foreign visitors.
It also has a special place in my hearth because it was the first Emporium that made me start this blog, and all my projects that came out of it. So, no Emporium, no Tupperware Steampunk, no Dankaert Lexicon and no RAG-TAG. So I guess it very fitting I ended up giving my presentation on the main stage during this last edition.
This last Emporium reminded me why I lved this event so much. It was in 'De Willemeen' were the brightest minds of the Dutch community met with some of the great from Great Brittan and the US. Yes, it was small, but it created a great atmosphere to discuss the current state of Steampunk. And, we do need more of it!

By Don Bakhuizen Event Photography

As agreed, I gave a general presentation on Steampunk, it's history (and relationship to Cyberpunk) and possibly it's future. I was also interviews both days on the subject, which incidentally lead to some new insights I would like to share with you.
It's no secret I am disappointed  with the lack of innovation within the Dutch community. I feel that the community has patted itself on the back for to long, expecting the general audience and organizations interest in Steampunk and Steampunk-groups would last, regardless of their acts and it's rather lackluster approach to what it means to entertain. For years I attempted to make my message clear. And even thou nobody seemed to disagree with my sentiment, little real effort has been made to change this.Organizations are losing interest, the audience is tired of the 'Goths in Brown' and valuable members of the community are leaving, on the lookout for challenges elsewhere. It wasn't a coincidence that my blog went on a hiatus. There was just nothing happening worth writing about. Nothing inspired me to keep at it. If it wasn't for RAG-TAG, I would have given up all together. And that is a shame . Because Steampunk has such a unique position, such potential that remains greatly untapped. It could be used to teach history and science in an entertaining way, yet I have seen few examples. Apart from, what I consider, wasted potential it also prevent people, who are looking for challenges or educational activities, etc. , to be interested in our community. An good example would be RAG-TAG that draws a lot of people from outside the community who just want to work with kids or want to explore it's historical theme in new ways.

At the beginning of my presentation on Emporium I warned my audience that I would end on a rant on this very subject. After the presentation, I received similar attitudes towards the state of Steampunk from Dutch and non-Dutch attendees alike. Steampunk suffers from a lack of challenges and innovation. Hell, I even dare to say this is the reason why pointless things like Tea Dueling and Teapot Racing became a thing. It ain't great. But it something! I would also explain the popularity of themed groups like the Steampunk-Gun Club on Facebook that was many contests and challenges.
Steampunk as a community needs to innovate if it want's to remain relevant in the coming decade. It needs to find new ways the get the audience attention. Especially in an age were artistic expression in the west is getting scrutinized by Politically Correctness and self-censorship.

It's not to late, but we need to take action, sooner, rather than later. We need to innovate, reach out to our audience and create real, interactive, entertainment. Make educational material and social commentary before we become another cultural and intellectual dead end like so many subcultures that came before us..

Fallout 4: Is it Steampunk? *Spoiler Free*

Like many of you, right now I am addicted to Fallout 4. I already have over 100 hours of gameplay into this life destroying game and still I have difficulty putting it down. Hell it is so good, porn sites have a significant drop in views. Porn sites! Anyway, I am not going to review this game. During presentations Fallout often comes up. People then ask: 'Is Fallout Steampunk?'

For those not familiar with Fallout. Is a Roleplaying game that started on PC in 1997, created by Interplay Studio's. The stories are set in a post apocalyptic setting destroy by nuclear fire. But this is not your typical wasteland simulator.
The Fallout franchise is an odd beast when it comes to genre. It's both Alternate History and Science Fiction. This timeline changes after the Second World War, were American society focuses on nuclear power rather than digitization. Things like the transister (that allows for minituarisation) don't excist, but Cadillac's are powered by nuclear mini-reactors.
In 2077 the USA still looks like a futuristic version of the 1950. Every nuclear-age family has household robots and holotape players. However, a 10 year lasting war in Alaska against the Chinese over the last remaining natural resources just ended, and the losers (probably) didn't take it well. Nobody knows who launched the first missiles, but the result would be the same. Global annihilation.
Two centuries later, humanity still hasn't recovered, but has made a home within the ruines of the Old World that gives them shelter against radioactive storms and dangerous mutants roaming the wastes. However, it aren't these radioactive beasts that are the biggest threat. Like history teaches us, over and over again. War.... War never changes.

One of the themes throughout the Fallout games is that, despite all the challenges this new world provided for the remnants of humanity, like foodshortage and rampaging mutants, it are your fellow humans you have to be aware of.. Rather they are desperate tribes, turned to raiding and cannibalism, or surviving organizations from the Old World that want to restore civilization in their own image in secrecy. They are a greater threat to the settlers of the Fallout universe than any other.

The universe of Fallout is an interesting mix of post-apocalyptic science-fiction and retro-futuristic
cyberpunk. In Fallout 4 main plot even has this Film Noir fibe to it. This is both expressed verbally as visually, why Fallout is so loved by so many players.
The first thing players will notice is the American Dream style design of the Old World (2077), with Art Deco decorations, Populux household-machines and Googie-Architecture, typically associates with the 1950's. Some factions however have this sleek
Cyberpunk design going on, that contrasts with the DIY, or
tribal appearance of the common wasteland settlements and fortifications in the New World (2277).
The story's of the Fallout universe exploit the conflicts between the old and the new, tradition and progress, high-tech and low-tech very well. The survivors of the Great War realize that it was technology that destroyed civilization, however they also use Old World tech to improve they chances of survival. Between the scavenged equipment of raiders you often find 10mm pistols and other Old World weapons next to DIY-piperifles and some settlements manages the recycle an old reactor to power their defenses and use old terminals containing knowledge of Old World scientists. Some locations are still patrolled by pre-war robots as well, guarding it against enemies that don't exist anymore. If this description doesn't scream Steampunk, I don't know what does. But does it make it so?

Steampunk was a play on the word Cyberpunk. Books like The Difference Engine or describes as Cyberpunk in the past. Steampunk explores the what-if scenario's were technology has made an irreversible impact on history as 'we' know it. Fallout certainly has that, in a way. Unlike typical Steampunk, Fallout is set in the future of such an Alternate History. It's design however does scream Steampunk, although some would call it Decopunk or Atompunk. But I am sure we can all agree that the design is Retrofuturistic mixed in with a great amount of DIY.
Fallout is also known for it;s historical and cultural references. But, to name a few, in Fallout 1 you can find a Nixon Doll. In Fallout 2 you will encounter the Cult of Hubology . In New Vegas you can find a gang called the Kings, inspired by The King himself. The Brotherhood of Steel has a lot of elements of the Knightly Orders and then there is the Roman inspired Caesar's Legion. That is not including all the historical landmarks and buildings you can visit in the ruins of Washington DC, Boston, Pittsburgh, and neighboring cities.
Fallout also has it's own version of the Cold War and the postwar fear of communism. Everywhere you find old propaganda posters against communists and the Chinese. During fallout 3, and onward, you also discover the treatment of Chino-American citizens, which is really reminiscent of the treatment of Japanese citizens during WW2. And of course public service announcements about nuclear bombs and atomic fallout.
But here is an interesting fact. The idea for the first Fallout game, came from the Mad Max movies. A lone wanderer in the Wasteland created after a Nuclear War over the last resources. The leather armor in the Fallout games is actually based on Max's own Armour.
You may have also noticed I haven't talked about the protagonists of the Fallout games. The Vault Dweller, The Chosen One, The Lone Wanderer, The Courier and in Fallout 4 The Sole Survivor. These characters are like Max. Not that interesting themselves, but their actions changed the world of Fallout. They helped new Factions come into being and ruined others. It are these changes that make the lore of this universe. The Vaultdweller and those that follow is his or her footsteps are there for us to explore the setting. Fallout is one of those few titles that actually succeed in making the setting this immersive that the development of the protagonist ain't that important. The player is the protagonist. Often the player starts in a Vault, similar to our own reality, to get acquainted with the world before throwing the player into the wastes themselves were they will be confronted by mutants and raiders. What is new to the Vaultdweller is new to us, what makes it such a powerful moment when the vaultdoor closes behind you.
The world you enter is filled with secrets, waiting to be discovered by you, the player. Not only will you discover the bounties of this brave new world. You can uncover this alternate history, what the people of the past were like and the true purpose of the Vaults.


The Fallout universe it probably is one of the best known, and well done, Alternate History settings out there. The Pipboy, Dogmeat and it's the quote: "War... War never changes" are staples of gaming culture. Not only did they not make an obvious choice like, 'The Russians and Americans start a World War approach'. They chose an aesthetic, explain why the world looks the way it does and how this would effect history as we know it. It is also unique in the way that it is the future of an alternate timeline. And that is the conclusion of this article. Fallout is unique. It's sources of inspiration ranges from history, popculture to Steampunk. Not bad for a game that actually began with the idea to make a Mad Max type gameworld. 

The Corporal goes to, Tomofair

Today I just felt like writing something because I had a great day at Tomofair yesterday. A little convention in Nijmegen (NL) that, I assumed, had flown under the radar of many, but there were many visitors. Cosplayers, animefan and curious onlookers alike. But the doorfee was only 5 euro's and free parking, so what the hack. To Tomofair I went.  However, I am a fain little bitch and I did hope to get something out if it. But con are a, not so good place, for photo's. There are no real photo locations. Not even decors for that purpose. So, most photo's people will make are for registration purposes and keepsakes, not art. So I intentionally went in my RAG-TAG uniform to promote my group. And promote it I did!

I didn't expect that much. I have been to a small con the year before, and well. I didn't like it that much. These con' s are done by animefans for anime fans, and admirers for Japanese culture. There were a lot of merchandise stands that were all related to anime. Even the boardgamestand had all kinds of known game-titles like Risk that were all anime themed. Besides merchandise there were activities there are loved by this corner of the geek culture, like Yu-Gi-Oh, Dance Dance Revolution (a videogame involving actually moving your feet) and (retro) Nintendo games. Now, these are beloved activities within this community, but if your not into these kind of things there is not a lot to see here. In any case stay away from the karaoke if you love the opening themesong of 'Attack on Titans', like I do. That could kill your love for music forever.
So, is there any reason for steamers to go to Tomocon, and be honest, any con? Well...
Like I said, there are a lot to learn about Japenese Culture. There was even a traveling agency. The there are the katana-stands, sushi and noodlecorners and off course saké. If your interested in Japenese culture or cousin, give it a go.
The second reason are the artists. There was great art at display. Now I didn't take pictures, so I can't go in depth. But the most important reason, the atmosphere was great. In a gym that was probably to small for the number of visitors but the mood was great. People came up to me, and complimented my costume. Asked were it was from and I have some nice conversations with random strangers. And that is everything I really want from conventions like these. That is why I went in the first place. The people there were really interested in what I was doing and really loved to see some Steampunk.

This is the strange thing. Events like Elfia and Castlefest cater to visitors that are into anime, manga and even martial arts. Yet, cons like Tomofair seem to ignore the common fantasy, scifi fans. I was the one of the few non anime/videogame related cosplayers(?) Even Dutch Comicon have little to no fantasy, apart from knows series like Game of Thrones.
That also begs the question. What is the Dutch definition for Cosplay? I tried to write something one this before, but in the Netherlands Cosplay seems to refer to anime, movie or videogame related costumes, while original costume like those of Steampunks seem to be in another to be in a completely different corner of fandom. Is the latter even fandom? Much inspiration is based on pop culture, yes. But everything is based on something that has come before, so it is no real argument. But I'll leave that discussion for some other time.

I had a a lot of fun at Tomocon and if it is in Nijmegen next year I will visited again.

Blowing off Steam: random rant

I should be working of the Steampunk'd reviews, but I'm having some issues finding new episodes. Also, is is not that much about steampunk as it is about personal drama. The reason why I watch it regardless is because of the discussions that could be had about it. Speaking of which...

I am kind of indubio about this blog. I dealt with a lot of subjects on this blog (this is number 160) these last three years. I started out writing weekly, then biweekly and now the engine seems to be running out.  Even though I still love to philosophy about retro-futurism, I am running out of idea's.
I also have a lack of time. I have a job, am still working on my house and attempting to have something resembling a social life.

Then there is RAGTAG. This group debuted on Elfia, one of the largest fantasy related festivals in Europe. We had a great weekend there and entertained dozens of fanatical kids on our stormcourse were they could do battle with brainwashed soldiers and evil robots.
I am still dazzled by the fact how popular RAGTAG has  become, both by the public as people that want to participate.

Small RAGTAG gethering at my place

Last night some of our members actually traveled half way across the country to attend out first meeting outside of events. And we had a blast. Many costume idea's were discussed and plenty of ambitions were dreamed up. I am very confident many of these will be realised. So, expect more RAGTAG in the future.

Among my line of ambitions, I also want to spend more time on writing fiction. I have this by steampunk inspired fantasy-science fiction I have been working on since 2009, or so. It was also my first attempt at writing, so I started over several times. But now I intend to finish it. I am also working on a boardgame, inspired by this universe. Another project I intend to finish.

All this leaves me wondering, what is Tupperware Steampunks place in all this... Well, I don't know. Writing this blog took me to many places, but right now. Many of these feel like dead ends. I tried inviting guest writers: no responds. Asked, people for idea's and feedback: no responds. I did get a lot of promises, but few of these were actually kept. So, I tend to wonder, why do I bother? I invested alot of time and money in attempts to write this blog and create different content, like video's. But it's just something that can't be done by one person. I can work alone, but enough is enough. I need people to motivate me and inspire me to keep going
Now, I know there are people that are loyal readers of this blog. I thank you for that. But I need some input or feedback. Some rewards for my work.

I might have to reinvent this blog. Discover what I want to do. Dankaert Lexicon will keep exciting, I will keep doing lectures. I will give to presentations on Emporium Vernesque a matter a fact. I will probably keep posting to this blog, but it will probably be updates and the like. Maybe, if I think of a new subject I will write about it. But right now, inspiration is lacking.

So, let me know what you think. Any suggestions and word of wisdom are welcome.

Steampunk´d episode 2 and 3 - Hé ho! Hé ho! Into the evil lairs we go!

Welcome back to the possible shipwreck that is Steampunk’d. To recap. The pilotshow didn’t blow me out of the water, but at least kept my interest above sealevel. But that’s the least you can expect from a pilot (see what I did there? Seapilot… Yeah? … No? My Dutch readers probably don’t know what that is. Oh Well.)

The second episodes theme, a secret lair for a Femme Fatal character with a ‘secret device’. Last weeks winners face off against each other. So now we have Team Ave, whom build a Huntress Lair, were a Cougar lays in wait, with a kickass magic powered Tesla-rifle, for a male pray.
Team Morgan picked up some shuffles and pickaxes and dug a alchemist cave, with an alchemist, so they could turn lead into gold. That’s it really.

Thinks started of smoother that last week. The difference in leadership was interesting. Last weeks 'secret captain' Ave involved everyone in the creative process and laid each plan next to each other, while wanted-to-be-the-captain Morgan gave her teammates separate assignments without bringing them together. Also her grudge with JW is on full display. Go Team!  

So how was the final result? I kinda liked the Alchemistlab, but loved the Cougar- I mean Huntress Lair of Team Ave. Although I would like to emphasize I loved the lamp Eddie made for the laboratory. That was awesome, but just like the other objects in the room, it wasn’t cohesive.
While team Ave had a device hidden in a throne, Team Morgan hid their secret device in the most obvious object possible. We could also see the string. Not a good idea when hiding a secret.

The judges were quickly in agreement of this episodes winner. And unlike the previous episode, I was completely on board with them.

The third episode was pretty much more of the same. But I loved the theme. Far East inspired bedrooms, with a device that can change the ambiance from day to nighttime. A great departure of the usual. So whom of last week winners, James and JW, is going to get away with this cultural appropriation and whom get to commit Seppuku.

Team JW gone for a Jade Saferoom for a ambassadors daughter. Jade colored armor plating and armored windowshutters, with a wonderful jade kimono. I love it!

As for team James, a Concubine-Assassins Room that is … Asian. So, hm… The paintings Charles Mason made were awesome.

As we know from the first episode JW tends to steamwall his vision, making people do things they didn’t like to. It was obvious it was going to bite him in the behind. James on the other end didn’t display much, if any, leadership ability, which lead to unresolved conflicts between some teammates, which involved Morgan… Again.

Despite this, both team delivered botched room by the look of it. James ended up with a uncohesive mess and the costume…. Well I don’t what to spoil it.
The Armored Jaderoom looked awesome (and now I want it). The jade kimono was great and has some nice paintings. But the mechanisms for the windowshutters didn’t work properly because JW, despite Eddies protests, went for wooden mechanisms that just didn’t cooperate.  

In the end both rooms had these obvious flaws, but also possessed these great executions. So the Judges had a big challenge ahead of them and really could have gone both ways. Although, I am a sucker for JW’s work.  

Carter Oosterhouse

John Desjardin

Overall I liked these episodes better than the first. One on my major issues was the jury. I felt like the final manor would become  the vison of the judges rather than those the makers. One of the examples being Kittyhawk trying to cater to Kato, and failing miserably at it. This problem could be prevented in a number of ways. But this show hinges on celebrities, so an anonymous jury is no option. However, this problem has been tackled partially by inviting special guest judges like Visual Effects Specialist, John D.J. Des Jardin, who worked on a number of great productions like, League of extraordinaire Gentlemen and the Matrix. And Mastercarpenter, Carter Oosterhouse. Not only is it nice to see that non-Steamers take interest in Steampunk, but also bring their own expertise to the table during the final judgement.









The other new element is the Steampunk’d Mystery Button, which can be pushed by whomever at any time. Something good might happen, or something bad. What happened? Did anyone push the button? Will this be a one-trick-pony? Well your going to have to see for yourself. There are some website that are streaming episodes now. Just don’t ask me how legal they are.

Steampunk’d episode uno - Color versus Gray

We all knew it was coming. A realityshow about Steampunkmakers on GSN and produced by Produced by Kimberly and John Erhhard of Pink Sneakers.

It’s trailer has been circling around steampunk groups and forums for a few months now and has be anticipated by many people since. So after all the hype of these last few months can Steampunk’d live up to the hype?

Each week, hosted by Jeannie May (The Real), two teams must both make a room for this manor. The best makers will be made next weeks captains and the two worst ( If you can call them that) will be send home by the jury. The rooms will than be judged by Kato (Steampunk Couture), Matt King (Producer of World of Steam) and Thomas Whileford (Writer of Steampunk Gears and Gadgets).
This week the two teams must make a kitchen, fitted with a Rube Goldberg device (or machine) and a fitting costume, in three days time.

a Rube Goldberg Machine

I really enjoyed watching Team JW from the start. JW is a really hands on man. Loves to work what is in front of him and taking charge. I like that. Also I really liked that he wanted to do something different rather than the typical brown and brass you see everywhere. So I really appreciated his contributions.
As for team Eddie, aka Team Clusterfuck. Oh boy. Steampunk Eddie is not a bad guy, but he was just a horrible captain, which created a toxic atmosphere. Soon Ave became the ‘secret captain’ appointed by the team. By day 2 the conflict came to a head, but was quickly resolved. But how about their kitchen.

Team JW's  kitchen (dubbed countryesque by Whileford) came with a butler-automaton. The Rube Goldburg device was lacking because, well JW didn’t care about that part (neither do I) and Tobias, a young Maker from Kent, wasn’t up to the task of building one.
Team Eddie made a gray kitchen with some original idea’s like a platespinning Rube Goldberg Device and a robotic maidcostume. But it was unfinished and I thought it was rather bland with all the gray tones.

I like team-JW's creation best. Colorfull, the theme came together and I love the automaton costume. Team Eddie had a better RB-device, but it didn’t impress me. The other teams sucked, but I still liked it better because of how flawed it was.

So, who won? Well, your going to have to watch it for yourselfs.

As for my opinion of the premiere itself, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I really didn’t like the trailer.
All thou I like they call Steampunk, ‘a retro futuristic style inspired by the Victorian era,’ it isn’t free clichés like ‘Were the past is the future and the future is the past’ … What does that mean? What really bugged me was the whole discussion about one of the kitchens not being steampunk-enough. I hate that! But I’ll get back to that in a later episode I expect.

As for what the show is really about, it ain’t about Steampunk or how to make Steampunk. It’s about Steampunk-makers and their conflicts. It is a realityshow, through and through with all the clichés that come with it. The quick camera cutaways. Zooming in on people’s faces when somebody says something they don’t agree with. The personal interviews about how everybody on their team sucks. Sure, conflict is a part of the creative group process. But it detracted from the actual making of things. I really want to see what they made and how they made it! Because there are some really awesome idea’s here that can easily be executed by the layperson. But these don’t get explained! 

But I’ll watch the next episode and probably write a review on that too, because there is some worth while content here. And I would be lying if I said all these personal vendetta’s, that are evolving, didn't drag me in. But I am kind of worried about the input of the jury. But we will see how much influence they will have on the assembly of the manor in the course of the series.

Till next time and please let me know If you would like a episode by episode review of this series, on facebook or here in the comments.

For a full step by step summary, take a look at the Airship Ambassadors blog *Spoiler Alert*

Steampunk and Postmodernism

Inspiration comes from the strangest places. When I was thinking about a new subject in a post-Castlefest season I watched a review of an art film. It’s one of those ‘love it or hate it’ productions with many abstract images that have no rhyme or reason to them. It’s a prime example of something people would call pretentious or artsy. Art for the sake of art with no entertainment value.
This is what many associate with Postmodernism. It’s often weird, unhinged and so detached from reality it rarely makes any sense. Movies and music are often so abstract few people have the patience for it or fall asleep during the experience. But these kinds of productions belong to a stream of radical Postmodernism that few people care for or indulged in.
Yet Postmodernism defines our era, even thou many don’t realize it. A matter affect, many consider Steampunk a Postmodernist expression. But is it?

What is Postmodernism? It’s a reaction to ‘modern idea’s,’ that speak of the greater good and destiny of nations or mankind. In other words, religious and ideological philosophies; Christianity, Islam, Marxism and Capitalism.
There were always critics and atheists that doubted the idea of a ‘single truth’ all men had to abide by. But no event was as influential as the Great War of 1914-1918. It ended empires and lay waste to a whole generation of men. In countries like England and Germany the public had lost it’s faith in traditional idea’s and religion. They turned to new authoritarian ideologies and new forms of spirituality, like the New Age movement (Little known fact: certain elite members of the New Age Movement heralded Hitler as a messiah even before he came to power).
Next to this radicalization of mainstream politics, artists and poets radicalized in there own way. Not only did they blame world leaders for the Great War. They questioned the very nature of reality and especially the idea of truth. To them, God was Dead, and their era was the end of civilization. I hope my readers can imagine how these idea’s evolved from that point on, through the Second and Cold War, till today.

Postmodernists reject the notion of truth and objectivity. Everything we perserve is filtered through our state of mind and emotions. So, in order to understand anything, we must lay bare (deconstruct) everything to it’s inner workings. This means they try to create a new vision on mundane subjects. Terry Pretchets Discworld novels are a good example. For example, he compares insurance (Inn-Sewer-Ants) with gambling and the meddling of the gods, in mortal affaires, to a game of Dungeon and Dragons.
In a sense Postmodernism is about injokes. So you get movies that are about movie-making, videogames about making videogames and stories about storytelling. Sounds boring? Well, The Matrix-movie was basically a Postmodern story about how we view reality. How can we truly be sure we aren’t living inside a computer program?
Postmo can be a powerful tool to make people question, not just art, but our very surroundings. That all we perceive is subjective. Now, they are not even wrong, but it is a very impractical way of trying to make sense of reality. Some Postmodernists even gone so far to claim science, especially history, is bunk because everything we perceive is subjective and therefor can’t be investigated. Now science already had a tools too overcome our flawed nature, called the scientific method; ‘It works, bitches’. However, the Postmo’s ask a number of interesting questions regarding people’s tendency to accept old claims and traditions as the status quo.

Despite it’s critics and impracticality Postmodernism became very prevalent in fiction. Cyberpunk questioned to notion of progress as a purely positive force. No wonder with the aftermath of the Vietnam War, the looming threat of a third world war and the possible dangers of the coming digital age. The world was changing and all change leads to conflict. The time was ripe for the dystopian settings of Cyberpunk in which technological progress has turn society itself into a dehumanizing machine. From that arose Steampunk. But has Steampunk inherited the Postmodern tendencies of it’s predecessor?

Traditionally Steampunk is Cyberpunk in the past. However, it’s more about alternate history then the dark side of technological process. It tries to put historical figures and parties into a position in which they have advanced technology available to them. Now, here it gets interesting. I often talked about Traditional Steampunk versus Fantasy Steampunk. Fantasy writers tend to care little for historical accuracy. They love the idea of the gentlemen and Victorian esthetic. Here it clashes with the traditional writers, who want to debunk the idealized Victorian era and society. Like in the Difference Engine were technological radicals have pushed for their version of the digital age with no regard for the lower classes. So, traditional Steampunk has a Postmodern streak to it. But how about its community.

The Steampunk-movement is, odd. It embraces the old and traditional, but rejects modernity and conformism. Steampunk is very materialistic, but rejects mass production. It embraces industry but rejects wastefulness and created it’s own brand of eco-activism.
Within the community itself there are plenty of people that are inspired by Postmodern idea’s, but it doesn’t represent the goals and ambitions of the community itself. Steamers try to create a sense of timeless esthetic, inspired by history and archaic technology. Many designers perceive their designs  simply to be a continuation of olders schools, like Arte Deco and Populuxe, and not a throwback to the eighteenth century.
As for me, I consider Steampunk to be a product of the twentyfirst-century. As a person I am very much a Postmodernist (I just discovered). I reject big idea’s and religion. I consider myself to be an individual and not a representation of the Steampunk community at large (please correct me if you think I am wrong). I feel that Postmodernism has had a great impact on Steampunk. If not directly then by the fiction that inspired Steampunk to begin with. But to call the movement Postmo is taking it to far. If anything, it is a continuation of Postmodern idea’s into a whole new direction. 

DESC and stuff

DESC - Day 1

You got home from the first day of DESC after facing a code Orange Storm. The weather just got to bad for my compagnion Niels Dijkstra who assited me with the presentation today already, wich was fun by the way. Niels had to deal with a leaking tent the night before and the winds just didn't help either. So we packed the important things and dropped the tent.
The weather is bound to be better tommorow, because it can't get any worse.

Lets hope we can hold both presentations tommorow. See you all then.

Interview with Martijn Aspirantie @ Dragons Den Zwolle

A small interview I did with Martijn Aspirantie during the opening of his store Dragons Den in Zwolle. It's in Dutch, unfortunately for my english readers.

For more information on Dragons Den Zwolle follow this Link.

How to enjoy Steampunk?

In my previous piece on Steampunks relation to the Romantic Movement I concluded that the Romantics are historically important to Steampunk and that there are similarities in their idea's. Both are reactionary, to developments in their own era, and both seem to have this desire to return to a simpler time. It’s the approach to technological development were these similarities stop.
The romantics were very skeptical of technological and scientific progress. Some outright hated it and others warned for the abuse of scientific knowledge by flawed human beings. Also the Romantics rebelled against the Laisse Fair economics and power abuse by the government and the rich.
Steampunk, on the other hand, loves technology but want it to move into a more durable and aesthetically pleasing direction. It rebels against conformity and focusses on creativity rather than politics and the ill’s of society.  Although, many Steampunk feel that Western Society has lost much of it’s elegance, in behavior and social interactions, since the eighteenth century. That’s why the ‘Victorian Myths’ on the gentleman are so important to the subculture that makes some Steampunk look like they were born in the wrong era. It’s a weird paradox as Steampunk as a literary started out as a critique on the romaticization of Victorian England. They used the injustices and appalling conditions as an inspiration for their stories. But these days Fantasy Steampunk is getting more prevalent, which focusses more on paranormal creatures and less on history.
The community moved into a whole different direction. They want to celebrate the advances in science and depict the stories of those days. Were all familiar with the gadget-clad gentlemen and elegant ladies. But what you like Steampunk, but have no interest in wearing pretty dresses or tophats.

How else can we enjoy Steampunk? For the purpose of this articles I am going to describe three approaches to Steampunk. The Escapist, the Cultural and the Practical approach. It doesn’t mean Steamers follow one or the other. These are gross generalizations, but I think many Steamers can identify with these.

The Escapist approach focusses on depicting stories about adventurers, inventors, ladies and gentlemen, and the combination thereof. This is probably the most visible aspect of Steampunk due to the great amount of cosplayers going to conventions. Here people just want to get away from their daily routine or experiment with their personalities and dress in a way you to don’t get to anywhere else. They get to express a side of their personalities that wouldn’t be tolerated at work or get frowned upon in their direct environment. Also it’s a way of expressing they’re fandom for their favorite franchises, like Star Wars or Marvel Hero’s.
Here politics and other daily stuff don’t matter. It is a temporary retreat from the ‘real world’ were work, chores and other stressful activities await them. Steampunk is mostly a hobby in this regard, although there are bound to be people who take it to far. But there is a difference between having escapism or Steampunk as a lifestyle. In the first case, getting away from real life is a full time occupation, were as Steampunk is a whole different mater. But more on that later.

Not everyone involved in Steampunk cosplayers. There are plenty of artists who make Steampunk related objects but never wear costumes. In the Netherlands for example there are few writers that cosplay and the same goes for designers. They focus purely on they’re craft. Some might only have a costume to present themselves on conventions. What you’re most likely to see are their pictures on facebook, printest and rarely show themselves in person. Some of us just aren’t interested in modeling or dressing up. They use Steampunk as fin inspiration for their weird creations. Many Steampunk creations are just that, weird, with little practical value. But they sure look cool! Other expressions of Steampunk can be found in movies (Hugo, Steamboy), television series (Warehouse 13) and video games (Dishonored, Thief).

But not all designers are content with creating weird things. They want steampunk to enrich our daily lives. That is what I will call the practical approach. Steamer or designers try to create a kind of socially acceptable steampunk. They use vintage and practical objects to incorporate Steampunk into our daily life’s, especially for interior design and fashion. In my case I can go to an event in my ‘normal clothes’ and still be recognized as Steampunk. The same goes for my home. It doesn’t mean my house is filled with machinery, accept for the ones I use, but it has a rich tapestry of colors and vintage objects to create a retro futuristic atmosphere. Strange enough to be alien, but recognizable enough not to alienate. I believe that is the power of, and reason why Steampunk is able to become mainstream. Even the people with no desire to cosplay or purchase such items. Big names fashion designers like Mcqueen and Prada already made some retofuturistic fashion lines and promoted these with big name celebrities. There are even some attempts to make innovations using archaic technology, like greensteam and matrix lock protected usb-drives.

To conclude, this overview doesn’t really do Steampunk justice. It’s just a summary of ways to enjoys Steampunk. I’ve you love to dressup but don’t like to create, maybe you can look for someone who loves to make things. This way you can inspire and learn from each other.

Steampunk: The Romantic Connection

I’m was asked to write a number of more philosophical pieces on steampunk culture, so I thought of a few subjects and here is the first one. Now, I am trying to portray the community in a general sense, not just the views of writers and the like. If you want their perspectives, look for the Steampunk Gazette, Vintage Tomorrows or the Steampunk Bible. As for now, Steampunks relationship with the Romantic Movement.   

The Romantic movement of the nineteenth century still has a great influence on our culture today. But how can it not with known writers such as Charles Dickens, Mary Shelly and Lord Byron. Nowadays, however, the word romantic is often associated with sappy love stories and is often used to describe the perfect moment in a couples relationship, but historically it’s a literary movement that started in the wake of the Industrial and French Revolution. That is no coincidence. First the small farmers disappeared for the country side, cities grew out of proportion and factories started to dominate the landscape. If you were a person born in 1740, by the end of your life you would experience social, economic and technological whiplash. No wonder this rapid change in environment sparked lots of protest. The capitalist model and laisse fair approach of the government were soon contended by ideologies like Marxist Communism and the ideals of the French Revolution that survived that survived the Napoleonic wars. Meanwhile in the London salons writers were being inspired by the growing economic disparity, social wrongs, but most of all change; for better or for worse.

Change brought new opportunities for science, market economy and expansion. All business was booming. But while the fortunate elite raveled in in all these advances, the poor longed for the good old days were there were no machines, that were too competitive for the traditional crafts, and innovation wasn’t a necessity. So the idea of a superior past grew very strong.
The Romantic movement pleaded for a return to the simple life. In their vision power and wealth corrupts while simplicity guaranties purity and goodness. . This is called the ‘blank page’ approach to human development. People do good or evil because they were taught to. Poor people steal because the evil powers that be forced them into a situation where had to in order to survive or because evil deeds were deemed good by people in power. So bad environments lead to bad people.
So who create these bad environments. There were plenty of suspects, but the people in authority got the brunt of the blame. Writers attacked traditional institutions like the church, parliament and queen of England. Apart from causing controversy by changeling authority these authors explored the human condition and the (possible) dangers of science inspired horror stories like Frankenstein. Even those day they already realized that science wasn’t the enemy, but human ambition.

Now, I assume it doesn’t take that much imagination to understand how Science Fiction lead to Cyberpunk, what brought forth Steampunk. But are there still still some remnants of the romantic ideals in Steampunk culture today?
To outsiders Steampunk seems to glorify the past. It doesn’t just focus on archaic technology, but also fashion and literature. In a technological and esthetic sense Steampunk is a critique of current feds and sleek design with little sense of uniqueness. Steamers want to give their devices and household items their own little twist, making it unique to them. Unlike the New Age, anti-materialistic inspired movements of the last twenty years, Steamers identify themselves with the objects they own. Therefore they want, maybe even need, these objects to last as long as possible rather then replace them every time a newer model is released. This translates well into the DIY-activities and items that circulate with the sub-culture. So, yes. Steampunk has a reactionary streak, just like the Romantic Movement. It, however doesn’t have the shock value that the romantics used to have. It’s weird, but Steampunk doesn’t strive to change society; Yet.

But don’t Steamers want to return to the time of the Romantics and the Industrial Revolution? Now this is the point were some of the more seasoned Steamers would yell: ‘Stop!’ The point is that Steampunk looks for inspiration in the past rather than inventing the next fed. It strives for a sense of transcending beauty that survives the ever changing sensibilities of human tastes. Therefore they often look towards Victorian designs for inspiration.
Another thing that survived past centuries is the ideals of the gentleman. It is Important to keep the ideal of the gentleman separate of the historical gentlemen of Victorian England. Unlike the cliché, Steamers in general care little for history and certainly don’t care for the injustices of the era. It pains me to say this as a historian, but most Steamer I have encountered could care less about the eighteenth century. Many can’t even tell me what the Industrial revolution is about, but they love the idea. Steampunk is about ideas, not history, no matter how much I, or others like me, want it to be. Steampunk isn’t about activism, but creativity; were I have no problem with.

Now many people, not just Steamers, have this ‘romantic’ notion of Victorian values and behavior between gentlemen and ladies that is inspired by the works of Charlotte Brontë and similar writers and less by gritty fiction such as Gangs of New York. These ideals are somewhat reflected within the community itself. Ask a random Steamer how they feel about the current society, and you have a good chance they’ll say something like. ‘Society is unfair and people are cogholes towards each other.’ Now scientific investigation and statistics have proven the opposite. The world has never been this peaceful, people have never been this equal and violence has never been this low. Now this doesn’t mean the present is perfect, but humanity has made great strides since the nineteenth century. A matter affect, we are still trying to wash the stains of that time out of our moral fabric, like the notion racial superiority, laisses faire economics, nationalism, imperialism and I could go on. This that were being questioned by the Romantics of that era. But like I said Steamers don’t care about history, but the idea of a better time were people cared more about their, personal and modern values. So all these things don’t matter to them and it is unfair to force these issues down the throats of these people (as long they are not activists). In this context it’s (science) fiction, not history. So blaming steamers for Victorian perceptions about slavery and race is like blaming trekies for the negative depiction of Klingons. To paraphrase Rob Brown, ‘I would like to have born in a past that never existed.’

To summaries. Steampunk has been inspired by the Romantic Movement, but Steampunk found it’s own way into the twenty-first century. Rather than romanticizing the past it created it’s own canon based on a fictional past, without turning it into political bulletpoints. Like the Romantics, it is a reaction to contemporary grievances, but it focuses more on the lack of individuality and the wastefulness of our current economic models and aesthetics. So it’s community is more focused on escapism and creativity rather than activism. This doesn’t mean there aren’t any Steampunk activists, but they aren’t an organized movement in to itself. Therefore, when Steamers are asked, ‘why do you do this? They’ll reply with: ‘For fun’.

Please let know you think I'm right? Don't forget to give my posts a like and I've you have a suggestion or have a story of your own. Please contact me.

Why Steampunk is so important to me

Yesterday was International Steampunk Day. I kind of forgot about it, but then again. How many steamer are aware it exists at all? Anyway, it’s is a great moment to reflect on my odd relationship with Steampunk. I already talked about this a year back, but it was in Dutch and… Well, I realized about a week ago were I want to go with my professional carrier. But let’s start at the beginning.

During my youth I was one of those people that didn’t fit in. I was slow, and still am, to conform to feds, wasn’t interested in sports, current events or the future and I sure as hell didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. I was interested in about everything, from fiction to science, but never discovered my true passion. This becomes a problem when your trapped in an educational system that makes you choose a carrier before you even now what you want to do.
So imagine this. A young boy with no true passion, no clue and inability to connect to his fellow students. And then he also turned out to have a learning disability akin to dyslexia, but it couldn’t be diagnosed so no real attention was paid to it. I just had to perform better.
Learning theory wasn’t the problem, I liked it actually. Logic weren’t the problem either. I was one of the top scoring students a matter affect. But calculations and spelling were a mayor issue and the reason why wasn’t uncovered when I was about thirty years old.

So my education was a bit of a mess. I tried becoming a programmer, tried becoming a history teacher, twice, but ended up as a history bachelor with no clue what I wanted to do. But these were the year university students could become anything. An idea I found really appealing: ‘My professional future is kind of like a box of chocolates.’
However, than 2008 happened. When I got out of university there were no jobs anywhere. I had to little experience and was to highly educated for the few jobs available.  So after all that struggling, turning a papers filled with spelling errors because, as it turns out, my brain fills in missing letters and words  by itself, I got nowhere very slowly. And with the current jobculture, you won’t get hired without the proper piece of paper.
Thanks to a government program and the wonderful support of my parents I got the opportunity to acquire one of those pieces of paper and actually I got to work for a couple of years and finally buy my current home.

Now, what does all of this have to do with Steampunk? Actually, I think many of you already know. A geek with problems fitting in, a bit socially awkward and not knowing what to do with his or her future. Nobody recognizes this scenario right?

I had a lot of passions as a kid. Many of them involved collecting, armies and historical objects. But there was no rime or reason to it. One of my collections were MacDonald’s toys that came with the happy meals. I could build entire cities out of the cardboards boxes; those could be transforms into houses, and the like, back in those days. Does anyone remember those. Why did they stop doing that? Other collections were toy armies, Lego’s, dinosaurs and printing plates from old electronics; foreshadowing I suppose.
My first real hobby was Magic the Gathering. A few years later Warhammer. I actually won painting competitions for those (I still have the prizes and miniatures), but I rarely played the game. I thought of myself of a sore loser at the time.
 It was an odd period for me because for the first time I found a place were I belonged. Were I felt save and got praised for my skills. I wasn’t used to that.

When I was eighteen I started with fourteenth century reenactment with the then unknown Compagny of Cranenburgh (first it was called, The Soldeniers). These days the group is a staple of Dutch late medieval reenactment and it’s chairman Menno Brouwers has his own eventsbureau ‘Cranenburgh Events’. I am honored to have been there wen it started, for I still believe it is something really special. Within this group I literally rising through the ranks. Becoming both the second in command and also taking place on the board for a couple of years. Imagine, a socially akward boy forced in a position of authority with genuine responsibilities on safety, leadership and finances. Uncomfortable to say the least, but responsibilities once acquired also hard to let go. For fourteen years this was a place were I belonged, more then with Warhammer or previous hobbies. But something in me already realized I had to move on, and age thirty-one, I did.

Last Exile (2003)

Let’s go back a decennia. I think I might have been eighteen. I already heard of Steampunk somewhere, from the GURPS Steampunk rpg-book. But that wasn’t what inflamed my future passion. It was a cover from a club magazine which depicted a fantasy elf with a futuristic device on her belt. In hindsight it might have been from the cyberpunk rpg Shadowrun called (still one of my favorite settings), but I loved the anachronistic elements.
My real passion for steampunk came through Japanese anime. I loved series like Trigun, Escaflowne ands other that combine the old and the new. I started identifying it with Steampunk when the series Last Exile was launched in 2003. Not only did it have awesome airship battles I haven’t seen anywhere else since, it also had great Arte Deco-inspired designs by Range Murata. The world was culturally diverse and drew inspiration from multiple cultures and timeperiods, like 1800 and the 1930’s and also included antiquated idea’s on chivalry and feudalism.  This series has a great influence on my own worlds and designs to this day.

Photo, Brainstorm Photographix,
models: RAGTAG and Ebenezer C. Whitford 

Back in 2010 I learned something about myself. It turned out I wasn’t dyslexic. I am a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), kind of the literal opposite of autism as it is the overstimulation of the right brainhalf, instead of the left one (although it’s more of an hypothesis at this point, not actual science). Dyslexic properties and an inability the respond in highly social environments are a few of the known symptoms. So is an overactive imagination and an ability to turn idea’s into images. I can’t say this was unknown for me, but for the first time I could put one and one together and formulate what was right for me and what wasn’t: like numbers, following protocols or reading.
My logical reason wasn’t because I could follow causality, but my inability the keep consistent thought on certain problems as my mind unconsciously reads or sees something in different ways all the time. Therefor it is hard for me to focus on anything and doubt most of my decisions on every turn. Therefor I like painting and crafting so much as it turns out. Because it forces my mind to focus on one thing while idea’s form on the go.
 ‘Makes kinda sense,’you can say. ‘But didn’t you say you suck at writing?’ Funny thing, the same lifestyle coach that diagnosed me, encouraged me to write stories. So I did start writing fiction. It turned out to be a grueling process as my dyslexia keeps being a problem, but it’s getting better. My inability to focus on something makes it hard to actually finish a story, still a problem. But my brain, that keeps finding solutions for story plots etc. is what keeps me going. It’s a kind of therapy on this point. So if you are grateful that this blog exists, you have my lifestyle coach to thank for that.

So there is the history and psychological reason for my passion.

But there is way more to it. Not only have I succeeded in writing this blog for over three years now, and counting, I have started my own projects while looking for my own way within the genre and it community.  I developed my own alterego’s and their backgrounds, crafted my own masks and other items, turned my home into a décor people look at for inspiration. I thaught myself new skills, got acquainted with new people and learned from them. I inspired other people to pick up the hobby or work towards a common goal. Somethings with no or little success, but somethings it did, like RAG-TAG. While doing this I leaned allot about myself. That there is more potential inside of me than I realized. That I find happiness more important than status or a carrier. But also that I can inspire people and I hope to do so for many years to come. So, when someone now asks me, ‘what do you hope to do in the future,’ my answer is. ‘I hope to work within a team of creative people.’

I’ll stop here. So, please let me know why Steampunk is important to you in the comments below or on facebook. 

Interview with Tidus Flame

The smog was clearing when I entered West Smithfield. Once again I went to London, this time to meet Tidus Flame. A German artist with many talents. We agreed to meet at  the Saint Bartholomew’s Hospital , or Barts, that stands in the shadow of Saint Paul cathedral. West Smithfield truely of of those odd places were multiple periods of our history that seem to run through each other. 

Just past the Henry VIII Gate I find mister Flame in the courtyard were he's sitting there behind an easel, penceling away on large piece of paper. 

'Guten Tag! Mister Flame I presume?'
The artist looks up from his work and nods.'Guten tag.'
Immediately I want to satisfy my curiousity and have a glance at his drawing. But Flame stops me. 'Please don't look. It isn't finished yet.'
'Oh, all right.'
Meanwhile Flame keeps drawing franticly. 'Are you sure I shoudn't come back some other time.'
'No please, ask your questions. I'm nearly done'

Dankaert Lexicon: Ok then. Let's start with what do you do in your daily life?

Tidus Flame: I´m a male nurse, musician (Piano) and I do my pencil drawings. I play roleplaying games on my Computer. Jrpg’s, like Final Fantasy and Zelda, but also titles like Skyrim. I also write steampunk and science fiction stories for my own PC games. That’s it.

I make also make my own videogames and characters. But those are secret projects

Dankaert: What kind of drawing do you make?

Tidus Flame: I draw portraits for about a half year. Is easy to find these because we live in a selfie-world. All people like to photograph themselves. There are so many creative selfies, with some nice lighting and great facial expressions. Apart from those I sometimes draw videogame or movie characters, but this is a small number at the moment.

Do you have any favorite artists?

Not really, but I have a favorite composer. Joe Hisaishi from studio Ghibli. I love the way he plays his piano and I can relax very well to his music.

Dankaert: When did you start drawing?

Tidus :  I draw my whole life. At fourteen I started with some 

Mangasketches. During my training as a   male nurse, I started to sketch some portraits out of my head. Since October last year I draw the selfie-stuff.

Dankaert: How did you learn about Steampunk?

Tidus:   I never really learned about Steampunk. I feel like, I live it?! All things that I have done so far belonged to Steampunk. I have never really thought about it beyond that. It just part of me.

Dankaert:  What makes you want to draw Steampunk?

Tidus: You can draw Steampunk? 

Dankeart: Good point. Maybe a poorly phrased question.

Tidus: I think the combination of retrofuturistic elements make a subject steampunk, but in the end I draw people. I love the way people live their Steampunk. There are so many creative men and women and I want to capture on paper. I visit many Steampunkers and show them my drawings. All of them were very enthusiastic and motivated me to continue my work. 

Dankaert:  You usually use photo-portraits as models. How do you choose these portraits? What do you look for?

Tidus: I often look at light, shade and interesting expressions, because I like draw these things. I also aim to improve of skill in drawing lighting and shades. I use photos because it gives me time to try things out and develop new techniques.

Dankaert: What do hope to do in the future?

Tidus: I want to get much better in my art and the music I write. My desire is to draw a portrait, that looks like, 'WOW, this face is real and looks at me'. Also, I am working on game. I’ll have a demo ready later this year.

Dankaert: And who is that you're drawing?

He turned the drawing towards me. 'He was a patient that stayed here for a few days.'

I look at the face and pondered why it looked so fammiliar. 'I know that cap from somewere. Were was he from.

Tidus shruged his shoulders. 'He didn't speak much. I wish I could tell you more, but it appears his story has yet to be told.

Drawing by Tobias Eser, aka Tidus Flame. Model Bonsart Bokel