Reclaiming Tech

While it is classified as science fiction, it in fact embodies a for the neo-Victorian culture, ensur- ing the lovely queen’s influence exists long after her departure. Much like today, steam is the new thing. In Victorian times, an Masses invention by George Stephenson, The Rocket, revolutionized not By Kate Hall only Victorian industry, but Photos by Richard Stayton

he Steam Punk Industrial Show hosted by Ren- ninger’s on August 3rd & 4th invites you to get your Tsteam on. It is the perfect way to celebrate the steamy side power of steam. Steam powered of central Florida. Never heard of guessed it-water. Underlying ships for both land and air soon steam punk? Not sure if it’s for themes suggest ingenuity was followed. you? You are not alone! While it is valued, items were repurposed, Today gears are iconic and largely misunderstood, the steam and wars were waged. Swap the embraced by artisans, and worn punk craze is a rising genre with man powered boats for steam by fashionistas. Gears can be some pretty surprising roots! The powered airships, and mutant found as stylish accents on ev- Steam Punk Industrial Show is sure gills for aviator goggles... and a erything from jewelry, clothing, to provide an intriguing look at genre is reborn. Movies such as shoes, art, theatrical sets and the artistic interpretations born The Prestige, Lemony Snicket’s home furnishings. The worlds of of an era marked by innovation. A Series of Unfortunate Events, fashion and design clamor for At first glance, the steam punk The Mysterious Geographic Ex- a bit of something old married movement seemed somewhat plorations of Jasper Morello, The would continue to be influen- with something new. Steam punk reminiscent of the 1995 science League of Extraordinary Gentle- tial in centuries following. The fashion embodies both employing fiction sleeper, Water World. The men, Van Helsing, and Sherlock Rocket was the first steam new materials with the old and well film starred Kevin Costner and Holmes are all attributed to the locomotive suitable for mass worn. Artist’s insights indicate proposed a somewhat post- steam punk genre according to transport. Stephenson’s inven- that part of the appeal is the apocalyptic world in which the the movie buff website IMDb.com. tion incorporated gears that al- mystery of the past life of a earth was covered with, you The genre’s roots go way back. lowed him to better harness the repurposed object. What was it used for? How many hands have touched it, held it, and treasured marriage of history and art. The it? Neo-Victorian influence can be Elusive steam punk devotee seen in the works that students and creator, Rj Foster, of Steps are producing in ceramics, draw- in Tyme will be showcasing his ing, computer illustration and designs alongside other design- graphic design classes. Consid- ers at the Steam Punk Industrial ering that the next generation Show at Renniger’s. Mainstays of of artists and advertisers find his collection include top hats, steam punk so inspirational is a trench coats, goggles, gloves, ration and motivation behind her utilized vintage broken jewelry, sure sign that you will be seeing corsets, and working gadgets one of a kind pieces. orphan clip-on earrings, antique lots more in the future. of all kinds. He’s works has “I have always been a collec- and vintage watches, gears, Fancy a steam punk photo been spotted at both the 2013 tor of unusual findings, tiny filigrees, and keys....I really iden- shoot? Local freelance photog- Megacon as well as the Tampa treasures, and vintage parts & tified with steam punk because rapher and Lake Sumter State Comicon. For more information pieces. I would often purchase of these contrasts and the way College alumni, Kareen Rashelle on RJ’s creations check out his some little shiny metal trinket at that the pieces make everyday is already working on develop- Facebook page titled Steps In the flea market with no inten- objects become beautiful. It’s all ing props & locales for a styl- Tyme. tion other than I liked the look about looking at life and objects ized photo experience. To book Local steam punk fashions are of the object. I liked the feel through different perspec- a steamy session, look her up the best kept secrets of Lake of it in my hands...When I came tives and seeing the beauty in on Facebook: Designs by Kareen County. Finding these elusive across Steam punk jewelry I was everything.” Rashelle. treasures is half the fun. Mt. in awe. I loved the juxtaposi- Steam punk influences are Whether you are a devotee, new Dora’s very own boutique Under tion of old fashioned gears & widespread amongst in the col- to the concept or just curious the Cherry Blossoms located on technology mixed with beautiful ligate world. Many students of as to what all the fuss is about, Donnelly near 5th, showcases Swarovski crystals, modern laser Lake Sumter State College favor check out the Steam Punk Indus- a variety of local artists, and is etched findings, and charms. the sci-fi genres and find them trial Show hosted by Renniger’s home to a jeweler specializing In my own work, I’ve incorpo- inspirational to their art and ev- and make some steamy memo- in intricate steam punk jewelry. rated my tiny treasures that I’ve eryday life. Steam punk provides ries. You might just find some- Lori Wisniewski shares her inspi- collected over the years. I’ve some elevation of ideas and a thing you can’t live without!