#steampunkhands

  A Few of my Favourite Things

by Sally-Ann Livingston ~ aka The Navigatrix

Whenever anyone asks me to pick favourites – be it films, books, music etc., I always struggle to line up my likes in linear fashion and see who ends up at the front. With me, it’s more of Sphere of Wonder containing circles made up of concentric lines and divided blurrily into categories. So when the Ambassador once more invited me to be a part of this wonderful celebratory event and unveiled the theme, so many things rushed forth for my attention that it has taken me months to think about what to include.

♡ Steampunk can be a family activity.

One person sprang to mind immediately however – my brother Matt. I wouldn’t be writing this without him, nor would I have explored the Steampunk realm so thoroughly. He and I set up Etsy shops at almost the same time. We’ve always been the kind of siblings who are best friends. We live near each other and often bounce ideas off each other. He’ll find me bits from the charity shop to upcycle and I’ll give him jewellery findings or sewing tips. We often share a stall at Steampunk events and have a great laugh together.

At ‘Steampunk Stamford on a Train’, Nene Valley Railway

Matt isn’t the only family involved, however. My husband and our daughter have been swept up in the steam, creating their own characters who are unrelated to mine yet part of the same crew – the crew of the Gargantuan Class Airship “The Unpronounceable”.

Prof. Noodles, Mr. M.C. Norbert and The Scamp

OOC Family / IC Crew portrait

♡ Steampunk encourages storytelling

‘The Scamp’, now 7, is creating a rich story around her character which includes brass dragons, magical coconut milk (allowing her to simply assume the form of what seems to be a young girl), being a tinkerer and ship mechanic, stealing fudge and concocting plans over a Steampunk luncheon, with Dr. Cornelius Porridge, for powering airships with unusual fuels. Mr. M(echanically) C(ivilised) Norbert, dwarf pygmy gorilla (and we like to think, Geoffery’s distant cousin) won the competition for best Steampunk pet. Though as he was mind-linked to Professor Noodles at the time, I rather think it was our dear prof who may have been the pet…

Stories are a large part of my products too. Each piece of jewellery and every accessory conjures ideas and images as I make them. One line of tribal steampunk products got rather over-excited and an entire fictitious culture was created, giving rise to The Aether Nomads Project.

  photos courtesy of Alternate History Photography

This collection of images is a highlight for me. Holding props created by ArcaneArmoury (yes, Matt’s shop), a costume based on my design and created by Wiserabbit (TheWiseRabbit on Etsy, headscarf and necklaces by myself, make-up and photography by Alternate History Photography

I do hope that tattybustles catch on!

Abi of Wiserabbit is a wonderfully talented lady whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for years, having met at LRP, and count among my most treasured friends. How wonderful that through twenty years of Live Roleplaying to have met such wonderful people, a few of whom also dally in the delight of Victorian inspired science fiction fantasies.

Images taken at Asylum 2015, in the grounds of Lincoln Cathedral

Matt and I were fortunate to enjoy the company of the lovely Genevieve last year at Asylum. I marvel at the last few years and – permit me a little name dropping -am so proud of these images, with costume and props by people who have costumed and ..er..propped(?) Professor Elemental and taken by the photographer who is one of the Steamgirls. I’m a little starstruck.

Mainly though, I am honoured to work collaboratively with such talented and really lovely people.

♡ Steampunk is all about creativity and  cooperation

This is why we love crowdfunding

♡ Steampunk music

Here are a few examples, the three albums that I’ve thrown a few pennies at (as have hundreds of others) in order to help these wonderful artists manifest their dreams right into our eager, waiting ear’oles. ;) Somehow or other, I have a tangible connection with all three which is so very meaningful to me. Not wishing to come across as egotistical but don’t we all love it when our lives directly influence something that gives us pleasure and a sense of achievement?

With Steampunk, it is all very up close and personal in the nicest possible way.

I need to list a few favourites in brief and in no particular order before I find myself writing a book rather than a blog post (that Sphere of Wonder grows each day!)

♡ The costuming – goggling at other folks amazing attire!

♡ The contraptions – especially those made with imagination and ingenuity, of whatever skill level.

♡ The community – I love feeling that I’m a welcome part of something that celebrates diversity. *Shout out to Lincoln Steampunk Society!*

Necklace by TheNavigatrix with etched elements by ArcaneArmoury (plus added Spoons!

Speaking of diversity, Steampunk offers a warm welcome to those of all nationalities, ages and abilities and is a wonderfully accessible hobby/lifestyle.

It is this broad scope which have allowed me to offer two opportunities for ‘creative socialising’ :

♡ The Aether Nomads Project – a free global community art project based on the concept of a nomadic Steampunk Tribe. Here’s our Facebook Page and our Blog

This is one of my favourite things because of the wonderful people involved who have taken my little idea and run with it! I love sharing ideas :) *Waves a glove to fellow Nomads*

♡ Steampunkable – this is really quite new. Inspired by the clever modifications to wheelchairs, mobility scooters, braces and other aids that I’ve seen both at events and online, I decided to start a group for those of us dealing with disabilities and/or chronic illness and doing it Splendidly! If you’d like to join the group, put your request in here.

I myself have wonky collagen (aka Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a genetic disorder) among a few other labels. This is why you’ll see my work appear in bursts and then hear nothing for a while. Steampunk and online shopping platforms allow me to craft a life for myself that is sympathetic to my physical needs and fun for all the family. I can work from home, yet Skype and message friends across the globe. I can work within my abilities and pace myself (which I’m rather good at, unless I get carried away writing long blog articles…oops.)

If you pushed me to answer what is my Favourite thing about Steampunk, it would have to be…

image courtesy of Pixabay

♡ YOU!

It is the people who are drawn to this creative playground, this cognitive casserole, this celebration of Splendidness who make it what it is. Yes, we’re all human and sometimes we don’t play together as nicely as we could but the value we put on community and good manners means that we keep this engine oiled and running smoothly most of the time.

It is simply a pleasure to be in your good company.

Wishing you a happy Steampunk Hands Around the World month,

Sally-Ann ~aka The Navigatrix

To see what else is happening for Steampunk Hands this month, visit The Official Link List

http://karencarlisle.purplefiles.net/2015/03/01/steampunk-hands-international-qa-project-pts-1-3/

Steampunk month is over. My final post for Steampunk Hands Around the World, showcases Ray Dean’s International Q&A on her website, My Ethereality.

Ray interviewed several participants from around the world. Other participants included:  Sally-Ann Livingston (England), Davide Mana (Italy), Josue Ramos (Spain), Jaymee Goh Sook Yi (Malaysia), Paulo Ramirez (Mexico), Arthur Morgan (France), Kenneth Toglia (USA), Suna (Scotland/India), Kevin Steil (Airship Ambassador). I am such splendiferous company!

The interview was blogged in three parts. Here is the complete list of links.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

It was interesting hearing from fellow enthusiasts from around the world. I have met a few new friends, as a result. (Isn’t that what it is all about?) One of the things I love about steampunk is its willingness to include different cultures and ideas. In this Q&A, we can see a glimpse of steampunk in different countries.  Thanks again to Raydeen for as asking me to be part of this project.

Huzzah.

http://karencarlisle.purplefiles.net/2015/02/22/7-steampunk-hands-welcome-to-our-workshops/

A Showcase local creators and their workshops – and things they create

We are fortunate to have some very talented people in Adelaide who are part of our steampunk community. These include artists, costume-makers, writers and gadget makers. Let me introduce you to just a few of them. These generous people let me into their workshop and even answered some questions.

Terry Brown – Dragonsblood Creations.

Terry creates custom made wedding, goth clothing, Renaissance and medieval clothing. More recently she has been commissioned to make steampunk and burlesque ensembles. She also makes her own historical and steampunk costumes. Her dedicated sewing workshop is filled with a rainbow of wools and silks, findings and corsetry requirements. She also sells jewelry, hats, purses and all manner of accessories.

How did you get into steampunk? My first Steampunk event was either the Dress Like a Time Traveller Picnic 2010 that was held in Victoria square OR the second Flight of the Olympia run by Steve Scholz & Catherine Curl, at The (Adelaide) Fringe. I can’t remember when but through friends essentially.

What aspect of steampunk are you most passionate about?I am most passionate about the incredible talent and imagination the Steampunk community has.

          Anthony Fagan – maker of Steampunk Weaponry

Anthony has been attending events for some time now. He has a passion for creating steampunk weaponry from toy and water pistols, or by using everyday items and components found in the local hardware store. He recently ran a local workshop. He utilises the dining table, with a side table for gun making and modifications. There is a room outside for spray painting and drilling. The down side is that if anyone visits, he has to clear the table to eat.

How did you get into steampunk? We got our first introduction to Steampunk through a presentation at Aus Sci Fi and Fantasy club and Marianne Hooper came dressed in Steampunk costume. We had many questions for her and she certainly got us interested in the genre.

What aspect of steampunk are you most passionate about?Steampunk gunmaking and meeting other Steampunk people are my main interests. I am a member of several on-line groups several of which are international groups – Steampunk Revolution & Steampunk Gun Club – and some Australian groups – Steampunk SA. Photos: thanks to Anthony Fagan.

Damien Snell – Mystichaggis’s Bazar of Steamfoolery

Infamous for his flame-throwing tophat, Damien is an afficiado of repurposing all manner of items and shaping them into functioning works of art. His work has been described as Steampunk, Teslapunk and Dieselpunk. He rarely uses plastic, preferring natural materials such as wood and metal. His workshop is an Aladdin’s cave of inspirational bits – and so organised! I could spend hours there and still find new things; I am in recycler heaven. He has repurposed old radios, frames, cabinets and vaccum tubes. (Photo courtesy of MystichaggisBazarSteamfoolery)

How did you get into steampunk? Steampunk has never been the primary focus for me. I have been modifying and fixing things since I was a child. The aesthetics I like can range from ancient styles all the way through to sci fi, more modern periods or my own imaginings. Steampunk is just a handy category some of my work falls into and I let other people use the description to set them at ease. 

What aspect of steampunk are you most passionate about? I generally just tinker and use my love of mechanical, electronics and strangely engineered objects to guide me.

  David Carlisle – Squatter in Our Shed

Our shed is a scary place. It is full to the gills with wood offcuts, sheets of metal and eclectic items collected over the years. David has a small area – 1.5m by 1m – with an old metal topped bench, jars of screws, scavenged bits, spraypaint, brushes, gluegun and tape. Here he makes a variety of accessories, paints steampunk guns, adding metal decorations and studs to leather items and making silicon molds for metal components.

How did you get into steampunk? Back in the early 1990s, I was a fan of Cyberpunk. One of my favourite authors was William Gibson. Then I heard he’d written something a little different – The Difference Engine was Cyberpunk with a 19th century twist. Apparently it was known as Steampunk. Over the years, I ran across more steampunk influences – first in computer games (The Chaos Engine,  Arcana: Of Steamworks and Magic Obscura) and later, movies (Wild Wild West, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen).

What aspect of steampunk are you most passionate about? At the moment, I’m getting into ‘punking up toy guns. I started without a clear concept of what I wanted to make, but after painting my Nerf Maverick, I started looking at what I could add to it, and wanted it to have a logical consistency to it. I started having ideas about adding lights, turning it into some sort of raygun… but that wouldn’t work for an obvious revolver like the Maverick, so I’m saving that for my next one (maybe a rifle?). I decided an electromagnetic Gauss gun would suit the style of the Maverick, so I’m adding various wire coils and vintage-looking electronics. And maybe some Victorian embellishments for style.

  These are but a few of the local steampunk artisans who create amazing items. I wish I had more time to interview them all! It is always exciting to attend events and wonder what new and fantastical creations we will feast our eyes upon.

Website Links

Dragonsblood Creations – http://dragonsbloodcreations.com.au/

Mystichaggis Bazar Steamfoolery -https://www.facebook.com/MystichaggisBazarSteamfoolery

Steampunk SA – https://www.facebook.com/groups/386014630031

http://karencarlisle.purplefiles.net/2015/02/20/steampunk-hands-international-steampunk-qa/

Wow. What a week!

I finished painting and gluing my steampunk Fairy Eliminator, visited local artiscan’s workshops for photoshoots and had my first internation request for a guest blog post, translated into Spanish.

I was also asked to take part in an International Q&A Interview (of several fellow steampunks all over the world) by  Raydeen, who writes the blog – My Ethereality. Today she posted part one of the interview. 

2014 so far has been a dizzying whirl of creativity and connection, celebration and clarification, challenge and collaboration. On the one hand, I've had to deal with a diagnosis of FND (functional neurological disorder) and keep my chin up as sales have been almost non-existent.

On the other, I've been so incredibly fortunate to be part of Steampunk Hands and have been introduced to some wonderful people, groups, blogs and websites. I've found people who are inspired by my Aether Nomads idea and am in turn inspired by them to co-create something wonderful!

I started The Navigatrix as a way to exercise my creativity (mission increasingly accomplished!) and to earn a decent part-time income (er...still working on that bit). It has blossomed into a nurturing, supportive, momentum producing state of being. So to all of you who grant me a little of your time, attention and kind words (and share a little of your income ;) I'd like to say a huge ♡ Thankyou ♡