10 posts from 2008

   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"

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.

Steampunk "Tripod"Floor Lamp with "Focault's Pendulum"  60" tall. Signed and Dated

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

Inspired by the horse-drawn carriages of Old New Orleans ( and perhaps a touch of Anne Rice).
True Victorian Steampunk design. Designed and hand-made by Art Donovan. 2008