Steampunk curiosities

My start as a Steampunk Artist

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In the summer of 2013, during a weekend trip to a neighboring town in Colorado, I discovered a little shop full of fantastic Steampunk sculptures. I had never heard of Steampunk, but I loved the merging of science fiction and Victorian aesthetics. I was so fascinated by what I saw I had to try my hand at it.

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After having built a few pieces, I showed photos to a co-worker. She suggested I submit my work in an upcoming juried Steampunk competition at our local Sangre de Cristo Arts Center. I didn’t think my work was good enough, so I told her that I wasn’t interested. After a couple of weeks of encouragement, she finally persuaded me to enter the competition.

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I was glad I did! The juror for the competition, Jeff Vandermeer, known worldwide as the author of the Steampunk Bible, chose my piece ‘Ghost Talk’ as first-place winner.

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I also won ‘People’s Choice’ and was awarded a solo show at the Arts Center. The experience was a great confidence booster for me, and I decided to take my work more seriously.

 

That led to many shows, as well as being chosen as one of twenty Steampunk artists from around the world to exhibit at ‘ODD BEAUTY – The Techno-Eccentric World of Steampunk’, held in New York in 2017. The exhibit was curated by Art Donovan - lighting designer, artist, and author of ‘The Art of Steampunk’. 

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Sources of Inspiration

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Other Artists Work

The Technology in Science Fiction Movies

Architecture & Furniture Design from other Cultures

Inventions of Yesteryear 

Musical Instruments

Art Deco & Art Nouveau Designs

My Wild & Crazy Imagination 

 

Media

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All of my work features both wood and metal. All-metal Steampunk sculptures can sometimes look rather cold and harsh, so I like to incorporate wood into all of my work. Not only does it add warmth, but it helps in the creation of unique designs. I use only reclaimed wood for all my pieces.

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The raw materials for my sculptures come from thrift shops, antique shops, estate sales, yard sales and donations from friends. Some pieces use old movie projectors, clock housings, radio cabinets, radio chassis, or old mechanical office machines such as typewriters, adding machines, and check writers.

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The Process

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No welding or soldering is involved, and I rarely use glue. All components are held together mechanically, and every piece can be completely disassembled. Most of the time, I don’t draw plans for a project.  I take a component from my inventory and start experimenting until I get an idea that pleases me.

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My studio and gallery is located in Pueblo, Colorado.

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