Steampunk Inspiration #10; Mr. Stephen Crowe

| January 28, 2013

One of the challenges that become more apparent as the Steampunk and Dieselpunk genre begin to mature, is finding art that is able to delinate the line between Steampunk’s Art Nouveau style and Dieselpunk’s Art Deco.  There are those who, for whatever reason, confuse the two – which is unfortunate, because though I do enjoy Art Nouveau, I also have an eye for Deco.  Parsing the line between the two is a challenge, but I would say the Mr. Stephen Crowe, an exceptionally talented illustrator from Wellington, New Zealand, has been able to hit the mark between what might be termed as Late Nouveau / Proto-Deco.  Though there are the smooth and sharp curvatures of Art Deco in his illustrations, one can also see the 19th century stylings in the attire, along with added details to the designs.

I’ve not been able to find much more of his Steampunk work (well, aside from his outstanding vehicle illustrations on DA), but do pay a vist to his outstanding gallery, located at: http://stephencrowe.deviantart.com/, and http://www.stephencroweillustration.com/ - Do enjoy!

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Is it next year yet?

| December 11, 2012

First off, an apology: the book giveaway is really, truly happening this week, and I’m very sorry for all the delays. We’re getting more and more new books in to review and give away, and in 2013 I will get back on the steampunked librarian track and stick to deadlines! Sir Reginald apologizes as well, although he points out that it’s really all my fault, as I’m the only one who can pick up and mail out the books. Stupid puppet.

 

Lisa Snellings always does incredible work, and a clockwork poppet is among the many great creations offered unto you this holiday season!

  

Behold, Art Nouveau versions of 1980s heroines. They’re beautiful and full of inside information. Labyrinth is included!

  

Applied Imagination creates botanical architectural works, including the current train exhibit that’s going on at the Krohn Conservatory in Cincinnati, with faithful recreations of historical buildings in the area. It’s really incredible, and I can’t recommend their work enough.

 

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Art Nouveau on Deviant Art!

| September 8, 2012

One of the pleasures of Steampunk is its impact on providing a new focus on the classic art genre of the ear, specifically Art Nouveau.  One can easily appreciate the classic works of Mucha, the “godfather” of the graphic Art Nouveau style, but there are many exceptionally talented artists who also work to replicate the style, using both classic and modern takes on Art Nouveau.


An excellent source for new interpretations is located at a small artistic corner of the internet named Deviant Art.  If one follows the provided links (below), there is a cacophony of outstanding work available for viewing.  There are perhaps hundreds (between the two dedicated groups) of stylized work on display (oh, the website are at…
The #artnouveau group is located at: http://artnouveau.deviantart.com/
The #art-nouveau-club group is located at: http://art-nouveau-club.deviantart.com


Cafe au Lait, by *HenarTorinos (#art-nouveau-club)
The groups are civil and encouraging of those wishing to improve their skills in the graphic arts.  In fact, one group actually has an excellent tutorial for those with some Photoshop skills (or like to imagine they have some skill, such as myself – meh)!  One can eye the tutorial right here: http://cassiopeiaart.deviantart.com/art/Art-Nouveau-Tutorial-197750141
There is another option, if one’s artistic skills aren’t quite up to snuff, there is always another option.  Some artists (you’ll have to visit their main pages – those are identified by a “~” or “*” in front of their name/hyperlink), do take commissions, so if you are desiring some personalized work, a bit of searching may very well prove fruitful!  Nonetheless, do pay a visit (with a nice cup of coffee… or Guinness), to the Art Nouveau groups of Deviant art, located at: The #artnouveau group is located at: http://artnouveau.deviantart.com/ , and at http://art-nouveau-club.deviantart.com for the #art-nouveau-club!

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Steampunk Travelogue: The Looking Glass

| October 16, 2011

Most of the Steamlands have held steady over the past few years, with only a handful of new entities coming online.  There, however, is a slowly developing trend to integrate Steampunk aspects into new sims, without making the entire sim into the them.  Some succeed, some struggle, but one which stands out is a beautiful new sim established by two exceptionally talented designers (Mr. M. Inkpen, and Ms. S. Azalee), named The Looking Glass.

The arrival point to The Looking Glass
At first, the port arrival isn’t necessarily telling about what is to come in the build, as it is actually non-descript, with a loading boxes, a (nice) group joiner, and further information regarding events in the sim. 
A few free gifts for group members are available
However, heading up a bit further, one of the first things I noted was an outstanding quality and attention to detail that reminded of the works of Mr. Sextan Shepherd’s builds.  The minute details of the cobble stones, the fountain, and the surrounding structures were exceptional. 
Probably the best Art Nouveau cafe store front I have seen in SL
Their main store for purchases is located in this somewhat abandoned urban area, with small nods to a Steampunk aesthetic as one looks around.  Not all of the items for sale are exclusive to the genre, but a good number are, such as their outstanding Victorian street lamp, and their exquisite Vintage Bus Stop.

On my way towards the current amphitheater, I noted the abandoned theater, and decided to take a peek….

… and again, their build and texturing quality is exceptional – likely some of the best in SL, imo.

The Art Nouveau design of the amphitheater caught my attention, so passing the tulips and “healthiness” of the build, I came across a very unique (but sadly not for sale) item…

… this stone head of a statue of a Victorian Gentleman, complete with monocle!  As an additional bit, illuminate lightbulbs waft around his stone cranium.



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Mr. Chaz Kemp – Superlative Steampunk Art Nouveau Illustrator!

| April 2, 2011

As many my have read before (and perhaps even agree), I tend to believe that Art Nouveau is the perhaps the apex of Steampunk genre art.  it has roots in the historical sense, but re-imagined for the Steampunk genre.  Finding excellent artists to represent what might might call “Steampunk Art Nouveau” is a challenge, as good artwork is a challenge to develop and refine.  While I was doing my research on the topic, I came sought an artist with the skills and talent to bring this to life – and found Mr. Chaz Kemp, and his brilliant endeavors!
Mr. Kemp’s work includes the basic noted aspects of Art Nouveau, including stylized borders, a central individual focus with a tie-in to the central theme of the work, a color palate reflecting the work, and of course, excellent talent!
He does have an Esty endeavor, where he display his works, so do make it a point of stopping by and paying an eye to it.  His work is amaziFor more information regarding his work, please visit the following locations…
His Esty location, at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Avarra
His own website, at: http://www.chazkemp.com/
and his blog, located at: http://chaznouveau.blogspot.com/

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Steampunk Tarot cards from Curley Cue Designs…

| February 20, 2011

The Magician and The Empress cards

I received word of an exceptional design house which has released a set of extremely impressive Tarot cards, with a Steampunk theme.  Curley Cue Design has a wide variety of unique and impressive works, but their Steampunk Tarot deck most certainly displays an extensive infusion of Art Nouveau / Belle Epoque design into one visually impressive work.

The Hanged Man and Judgement Card

The juxtaposition of using era imagery and classic works does make this deck a sight to see!  The images can also be acquired on an individual basis (on a note card), so to see the entire selection, do consider paying a visit to their Esty store, at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/curlycuedesign?ref=top_trail , or their main webpage, at: http://www.curlycuedesign.com/.

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New Art Nouveau works…

| January 22, 2011

Steampunk (and Dieselpunk) are unique in one sense that they correlate to unique historical aesthetic movements.  While Dieselpunk could easily be said to be influence by Bauhaus, Art Deco, and Streamline Moderne, I would say that the major influence on Steampunk artistic scene would be Art Nouveau.  Most individuals involved with Steampunk are familiar with the classic works of Alphonse Mucha, his unique style is still practiced my many modern artists.  I did want to take a moment to highligh a few excellent examples of Art Nouveau currently on display at Deviant Art – if you wish to see more works, I’d certainly recommend starting at the Art Nouveau Club (located here)!
While I’m on the topic of Art Nouveau, Miss A.E. Flint, the author of the excellent Steampunk blog “Trial By Steam“, related the unfortunate story of her relocation endeavor – and the discovery of an excellent paper design store titled Graphic 45!  I stopped by, and had to concur with her estimation of the quality of their product!  Needless to say, I would recommend a stop, and if you are not visiting Trial By Steam on a regular basis, I would recommend her blog become a new habit!

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