Posts with tag steampunk

Steampunk is a counter-intuitive sci-fi concept. It's about the future, but set in the past, usually Victorian era England. The technology is pre-digital and steam-powered, but it's also quite modern and computer-driven. Analog computers, that is, that float over cities on dirigibles. See? Confusing. Let's stick to the aesthetics of it.

If you enjoyed the look of City of Lost Children, Van Helsing, Howl's Moving Castle or Lemony Snicket, then you like steampunk. One of the most distinctive visual characteristics is a quasi-Victorian mechanism, with lots of polished brass and clockworks.



Interested? Well, before you pull out the superglue and renovate your laptop, start by decorating yourself with some mechanically beautiful necklaces, cufflinks, earrings and brooches from Rivkasmom on Etsy. They really capture the essence of steampunk, with clocks, trains, balloons, and so much shiny brass! The items are all handmade, original designs, and one of a kind, so if you see something you like in the gallery, rush over to Etsy before some steampunk beats you to it!

Contrary to what my brightly-colored hair and "art school whatever" demeanor may suggest, I am a tremendous lover of Victorian era's fine aesthetics. Of course, a lot of the items and activities from the era are not particularly usable in today's world, so I am always excited when someone manages to work a little magic and make those lovely things practical.

My latest discovery of such an instance is really wonderful... Someone has managed to modify a gramophone to play music from an iPod. Huzzah! Here, you can find a rough step-by-step on the process. Sure, it may not sound as great as a top-of-the-line Bose set, but I think it looks a lot cooler.

If I ever find myself with an old gramophone on a free rainy day and have miraculously shrugged off my laziness, I will definitely attempt this. Emphasis on "attempt".

[via Brass Goggles]