'Steampunk' is a word that has been thrown around a lot in recent times. The word had been coined in 1987 by WJ Jeter. Despite being only a genre of science fiction, steam punk has managed to influence many artists and designers. Due to the onset of popularity, it has become a common theme at many conventions and expos around the world. Merchandise sold here can be anything from steampunk buttons to steampunk dresses and accessories.
More than just science fiction these days, this genre has evolved into something more. It bears resemblances to many of the other contemporary subcultures, such as the vampire, Gothic and punk trends of recent times. In gaining popularity, it has given artists and designer unique opportunities to find inspiration for their work. With these new opportunities, artists can explore creative ideas and spice up their own original ones leading the creation of new and unique work which stands out from the crowd.
Many artists and indeed the fashion industry have cashed in on this new found trend. Common images associated with this genre include machines and items made of copper or brass, cog wheels and pocket watches. Another associated fashion statement is the wearing of aviator goggles. Being based on the Victorian era, its fashion either copies this or indeed adds extras. These extras range from seemingly steam powered rocket launchers and weapons to something as small and intricate as cog shaped buttons.
Literature is not the only thing to have been hit with the steampunk bug. Countless Japanese animation series fit this genre quite well. One of the first anime artists to explore this was Hayao Miyazaki, whose works included Future Boy Conan and Sherlock Hound. These often include many typical Victorian aesthetics.
Fairs and expos about the genre, or featuring it, are common in many part of the world today. These shows often display the creativity people have come to express with the rise of its popularity. It is quite common for many kinds of merchandise to be crafted, using a do it yourself approach. In spite of this, however, many have expressed concerns that steam punk is now becoming 'too mainstream'.
This new genre has come to mean more than just science fiction. It has become a subculture in its own right, similar to the Gothic, punk and even vampire subcultures present in society today. The subculture presents a new opportunity for stylists and fashion designers alike. Artists can draw inspiration from the current rising trend in order to create their own, unique work, whether steampunk buttons or cog wheel ashtrays.
More than just science fiction these days, this genre has evolved into something more. It bears resemblances to many of the other contemporary subcultures, such as the vampire, Gothic and punk trends of recent times. In gaining popularity, it has given artists and designer unique opportunities to find inspiration for their work. With these new opportunities, artists can explore creative ideas and spice up their own original ones leading the creation of new and unique work which stands out from the crowd.
Many artists and indeed the fashion industry have cashed in on this new found trend. Common images associated with this genre include machines and items made of copper or brass, cog wheels and pocket watches. Another associated fashion statement is the wearing of aviator goggles. Being based on the Victorian era, its fashion either copies this or indeed adds extras. These extras range from seemingly steam powered rocket launchers and weapons to something as small and intricate as cog shaped buttons.
Literature is not the only thing to have been hit with the steampunk bug. Countless Japanese animation series fit this genre quite well. One of the first anime artists to explore this was Hayao Miyazaki, whose works included Future Boy Conan and Sherlock Hound. These often include many typical Victorian aesthetics.
Fairs and expos about the genre, or featuring it, are common in many part of the world today. These shows often display the creativity people have come to express with the rise of its popularity. It is quite common for many kinds of merchandise to be crafted, using a do it yourself approach. In spite of this, however, many have expressed concerns that steam punk is now becoming 'too mainstream'.
This new genre has come to mean more than just science fiction. It has become a subculture in its own right, similar to the Gothic, punk and even vampire subcultures present in society today. The subculture presents a new opportunity for stylists and fashion designers alike. Artists can draw inspiration from the current rising trend in order to create their own, unique work, whether steampunk buttons or cog wheel ashtrays.
No comments:
Post a Comment