It was an honor to curate the world's first Steampunk Art Exhibition for the Museum of the History of Science at the University of Oxford UK. My works here (along with 17 other artists from around the world) will be on display until February 21, 2010. Above: My latest Steampunk work. "The Electric Skull".
My newest Steampunk work: The Shiva Mandala. 2009 By Art Donovan New York
Click here to see the entire design.
Of course, this unique and strange style of design begs the obvious question: "Why Steampunk?"
I believe that one of the most articulate arguments for this style can
be found in our Steampunk Exhibition journal.
In the Forward to the journal, the reknowned architect and author, Anne Surchin explains:
"Instead of curlicues and scrollwork over metal to conceal the inner workings of things, Steampunk delivers the opposite effect. Everything is revealed in this movement. It is a full-blown design exfoliation.
And why now? Has New Modernism, so impersonal and downright sterile in it's lack of detail, run it's course? Perhaps the answer lurks in a restlessness and desire for a messy vitality that allows the imagination to soar"
In the Forward to the journal, the reknowned architect and author, Anne Surchin explains:
"Instead of curlicues and scrollwork over metal to conceal the inner workings of things, Steampunk delivers the opposite effect. Everything is revealed in this movement. It is a full-blown design exfoliation.
And why now? Has New Modernism, so impersonal and downright sterile in it's lack of detail, run it's course? Perhaps the answer lurks in a restlessness and desire for a messy vitality that allows the imagination to soar"
Entirely hand made with hand-carved "Ram Horns". Rusted iron,
brass and leather. Looking as if it
may have been unearthed at a dig in the hills of ancient Syria. The
horns sit behind the round antique wood face. I added green and
orange rare earth phosphors into the hand made lens so that it
produces an eerie glow when you shut the light off. It just
seemed like the
right thing to do ;)
Signed and Dated 2008.
The Steampunk Floor Lamp. Very adjustable and bright if needed. More to
come, as the artists in this show have been an incredible inspiration. Lamp is 52" tall with a 7" diameter bubble-glass lens and a full rotary dimmer at the top
The Spectral Steampunk Clock, Old parts. New, hand-made
parts and a few LED lights positioned in strategic areas. Signed
and dated and, yes, the left-side unit spins when you turn the crank.
"THIN WHITE DUKE" Steampunk Table Lamp. I
don't often post multiple views of my designs, but the "Thin
White Duke" warrants a closer inspection of it's variety of
details. Standing 50" tall x 21" wide at the
lampshade, it's entirely hand made of solid mahogany, solid
brass, glass, bronze mesh and steel. Engraved with my name +
date. The bulbs operate independently by the brass control sticks on
the base. True Steampunk design- as it would be perfectly
appropriate for Captain Nemos' undersea study. However, some Steampunk
fans refer to this particular style of design as "Retro
Futurism". I personally like to use the term "Steampunk" as an
umbrella title for all modern, techno-centric designs that use a
mythical, 'New-Victorian' basis for their configurations. VIEW MY OTHER BLOG HERE.
For your Horological inclinations. Hand made of solid,
weathered brass with a magnifier in front of the face mounted to two
brass arms. Designed ,hand crafted, signed + dated by Art Donovan. 2008
Click Below for More Designs
Recent Comments
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Art Donovan said:
Pretty sure, in so much as it's secondary purpose is to tell time :) read more
on Steampunk "Spectral" Clock -
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Bruce Rosenbaum said:
Hi Art -- I'm newly into Steampunk and am designing my office in a Steampunk theme (my wife and I... read more
on New for the Steampunk Exhibition at The Museum -
Dear ArtIt was lovely to meet you in Oxford at the opening. I have now finished editing read more
on New for the Steampunk Exhibition at The Museum