30 June 2008 | FLYING CITY | Comment
This artwork by a Mr Tolgahan Güngör from Turkey is really not supposed to depict an entire flying city; rather it shows airborne oxygen tanks presumably storing air for some metropolis elsewhere, aerial or not.
Mr Güngör is a visualisation artist and graphic designer who maintains an extended portfolio of his work in a Profile. Unfortunately, little is obviously steampunk, yet the appreciators of architecture and artistic renderings of cityscapes may found something of interest!
29 June 2008 | STEAMPUNK HUMPTY DUMPTY | Comment
After his fall from a great wall, all the king’s horses and men were evidently quite able to put this Humpty Dumpty together again, for though oval-shaped, his brass plating as well as the steam evoporating out of his head suggest a much less fragile creature, or device rather, than an egg.
This steampunk reimagination of an existing fairytale was made by an artist from Singapore who goes by the mere initials of “A.D.” At his Profile, more artwork may be found by his hand.
28 June 2008 | SYBERA | Comment
In an attempt, and a most succesful attempt at that, to mix Soviet style and steampunk theme, a Mr Rémi from France presents “Sybera,” a metropolis dominated by grey classicist architecture reminiscent of the Stalin’s Moscow with airships navigating amidst searchlights and fog—combined, making for a perfect dystopia indeed.
Mr Rémi, who goes by the name of “Remton,” maintains a Profile with more of his equally beautiful and equally fantastic work.
27 June 2008 | ANOTHER STEAMPUNK FAIRYTALE | Comment
Here is another artist’s take on the “steampunk fairytale” contest, this depiction apparently not being inspired by an existing story.
The entry of Mr Frank Hong from the Dominion of Canada evokes the vision of an old cityscape captured in clouds and the smell of steam through which people transport by way of very novel brass flying contraptions! Mr Hong maintains both a Profile as well as a Blog where much more of his work is on display.
26 June 2008 | THE LIL’ LAMP GIRL | Comment
For a contest to depict a “steampunk fairytale,” a Mr Max from France submitted this indeed enchanting depiction of “The Little Match Girl” revisited.
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s story about a girl who dies selling matches on a wintry New Year’s Eve, Mr Max’ poor girl sells old lamps instead. The artist apparently never did a steampunk-themed work before; hopefully his lamp girl will in spire him to do more! More, thus non-steampunk, art by Mr Max is available at his Profile.
22-25 June 2008 | FRENCH LEAVE
There will be no updates these four days during which we shall wander the streets of Paris in search of whatever steampunk wonders the City of Light conceals.
For the duration of our absence, we recommend:
• THE ATHENAEUM, where Professor Tucker maintains a regular account of his adventures and observations about the Aethernet;
• And, of course, our SMOKING LOUNGE, which should offer more than enough of interest also, any time!
21 June 2008 | WHAT’S WITH THE GOGGLES? | Comment
Goggles are quite essential to steampunk aesthetic, whether they supplement the gear of some mad scientist or grace the outfit of a lady sky pirate, yet no-one really seems to understand why. Thus we invite you to enlighten us by contributing to our discussion, “What’s with the goggles?” at the SMOKING LOUNGE.
The fine pair on display here was crafted by a Miss Noira from the United States who maintains both a Profile as well as an online Shop.
20 June 2008 | THE ATHENAEUM | Comment
It is with much delight that we may announce the opening of a new wing to our The Gatehouse. Please find your way past the WAR ROOM to discover THE ATHENAEUM, where the good Professor Delphinius “J.C.” Tucker dwells and chronicles his adventures and observations about the Aethernet!
Please do acquaint yourself with this new room and take the time to welcome Professor Tucker in this thread over at the SMOKING LOUNGE.
20 June 2008 | AUTUMN HARVEST | Comment
What if Renaissance man had employed dirigibles in harvesting season? That is the question Mr Leo Lingas from the Dominion of Canada, who goes by the handle of “Judgefang,” must have set himself to answer with this excellent “clockpunk” artwork, depicting a blimp powered by steam and propelled by large rotating blades.
Mr Lingas maintains both a Profile as well as a Website where more of his work, some paintings with a definite steampunk appeal to them, may be found.
19 June 2008 | THE VICTORIA’S REVENGE | Comment
The latest addition to the Galleries of our STEAMPUNK GALLERY is this whimsical depiction of a Bombay Tea Company clipper in full sail, named The Victoria’s Revenge. The whoe of the rigging of the dirigible can apparently be folded along its flanks for docking, though obviously it is not the most practical of maneuvers.
This uncommon, but most graceful airship was crafted by a Mr Drew Northcott from the United Kingdom, whose Website offers much more of his artwork.
18 June 2008 | THE BOTANIST | Comment
The latest sketch of the artist who goes by the handle of “taintedtin” depicts this rather frigid-looking English lady scientist in a laboratory filled with exotic plants, presumably gathered from every outskirt of Queen Victoria’s Empire. Unfortunately, the artist’s remaining artwork, available at his or her LiveJournal page, is not quite so steampunk as this one...
Thanks to Miss HildeKitten for bringing this lovely illustration to our attention over at the Smoking Lounge.
17 June 2008 | UUNDERSEA UTOPIA | Comment
This entry in Conceptart.org’s Undersea Utopia challenge was submitted by a Mr Alex Alvarado who goes by the name of “corspufo” at said community. His underwater metropolis apparently consists of multiple large bubbles within which its citizens dwell, with large transparent shafts connecting the different parts of the settlement. We imagine the sight of the cetaceans swimming by must be quite spectacular from within those domes!
Also visit Mr Alvarado’s Website for more of his artwork.
16 June 2008 | DRAGONSHIPS IN THE SKY | Comment
We recommend visitors of The Gatehouse to familiarize themselves with the menacing, albeit perfectly graceful profile of this airship pirates’ dirigible which nowadays strikes terror and fear into the hearts of the more respectable aerial venturers!
This depiction, which seems reminiscent somewhat of the game, Dirk Valentine and the Fortress of Steam about which we reported before, in March 2008, was drawn by the talented artists of Studio Octavio.
15 June 2008 | FEDORA | Comment
In our collection of pistache pulp magazines, we present this creation of a Mr Phillip O’Connor from the United States—the cover of Fedora Magazine.
This particular edition of Fedora, presumably containing many noir-inspired tales of mystery and mayhem, apparently features the story of some all-American adventurer combating “Nazi automatons.” With our hero in fedora hat and SS-officers hailing the Führer, this ought to be one of the more perfect depictions of dieselpunk!
14 June 2008 | LEICHEOBERSCHÜTZE | Comment
Dieselpunk fiction more than often features occult-inspired Nazi human experiments with genetic engineering, however we have yet to see a more disturbing vision than this depiction by Mr Keith Thompson.
These eerie soldiers in service of the Reich are described as “mutilated puppets,” apparently “often left behind during controlled retreats” only to erupt from “piles of corpses amidst the oncoming Allied troops working their way through the wreckage.” Quite terrifying indeed.
13 June 2008 | THE ORIGINS OF STEAMPUNK | Comment
The first in a series of articles in which we seek to trace the origins of steampunk as a literary genre has been published in the Articles section of our STEAMPUNK GALLERY.
In this first part, we consider the principal works of “proto-steampunk” released and published throughout the 1960s, ranging from Keith Laumer’s Imperium series, of which the first installment was published in 1962, to Harry Harrison’s A Transatlantic Tunnel, Hurrah!, released a decade later, in 1972.
13 June 2008 | LONDON FOG | Comment
According to Mr Bruce Rosen over at Victorian History, nineteenth-century London was truly plagued by the fogs which we often like to think so fondly of. Indeed, Mr Rosen explains that, “deaths were a common result [...] through accidents caused by the inability to see dangers because of the dense murk.”
Now, a fine lady from Belgium who goes by the handle of “Elvire,” presents this depiction of some shady figure embroiled in that hazardous London fog.
12 June 2008 | POPPY | Comment
Mr E.T.H. from the United States was challenged to do a speedpaint using the color poppy and the shape pentagon. Though having definitely implemented the color, the artist rather forgot about the pentagon, yet the character’s mask is five-sided, so there you go!
The depiction may not be particularly steampunk, however its armor is rather brass, and Mr E.T.H.’s further work, available in his Profile, reveals some steampunk influence and is definitely worth contemplation.
11 June 2008 | SPIRITUAL RETREAT | Comment
We always welcome the opportunity to feature some excellent artwork by a fellow Dutchman; the Portfolio of Mr Jesse van Dijk could thus not but compel us to share with you this lovely depiction of some Victorian gazebo, overgrown with ivy, serving now as spiritual retreat.
Mr Van Dijk’s further artwork is equally impressive, particularly a series of depictions for his “Project Indigo;” a vertical seaside metropolis in the seventeenth century or so. A must-see for clockpunk enthusiasts!
10 June 2008 | SPACE CAPTAIN SMITH | Comment
Mr Toby Frost’s first novel was published a while ago, yet I had entirely neglected to report on it! Thus, with regrettable delay, I wish to compel you hereby to purchase this fine steampunk space adventure: Space Captain Smith.
Behind this excellent cover unravels the history of Isambard Smith, an officer in the navy of the 25th century British Space Empire, currently menaced by the evil ant-soldiers of the Ghast Empire hive. Read more at the book’s lovely Website or proceed directly to Amazon to Order it!
9 June 2008 | DISNEY’S DISCOVERYLAND | Comment
One might not quite expect to find an awful lot of steampunk in Disneyland, but at least its resort in our part of the world, that is, in Paris, France, offers an impressive number of attractions that might be labeled “steampunk.”
This picture, of the Astro Orbitor in front of the Jules Verne-inspired Space Mountain, was shot just the other day by esteemed Smoking Lounge member, Miss HildeKitten, who shared with us photographs of her trip to Euro-Disney at the forums, as well as through her Flickr galleries.
9 June 2008 | A DANGEROUS FIND | Comment
This ludicrous chap is one of the many wonderful depictions in Mr Brian Despain’s “100 Robots” series. His mechanical men, all drawn in his familiar and beautiful style, range from scary one-eyed brass things to tin cans straight out of some 1950s pulp science fiction!
This olive-colored little man here apparently carries his human-like brains rather awkwardly atop the head, quite unlike his fellow robots. Please visit Mr Despain’s Website to find what all those other automatons look like!
8 June 2008 | UUNDERSEA UTOPIA | Comment
This entry in Conceptart.org’s Undersea Utopia challenge was submitted by France-born artist, Mr “Timothee,” currently residing in the United States, who maintains a Profile through which more of his work may be found.
This particular creation of his depicts the undersea utopia as really an alien space craft which voyaged from outer space to study Earth life. Four other similar craft are placed elsewhere beneath the seas, each powered by underwater hydrothermal vents.
7 June 2008 | THE LYING GAME | Comment
We have added yet another fine artwork by Mr Alastair Fell to the Galleries of our DIESELPUNK PARLOR; this lovely cover of some Jack Patch detective mystery by one Gérard Aumont, entitled, The Lying Game. “She revealed everything,” indeed, for the girl’s choice of wardrobe leaves little to the imagination, “except the truth.”
Mr Fell maintains an extended selection of his work at the website Darkrising, including further pastiche pulp fiction covers!
6 June 2008 | STEAMPUNK GALLERY
The TECHNOLOGY GALLERY has been renamed STEAMPUNK GALLERY to better describe its contents, for an Articles section has been added therein with currently a single essay available: a consideration of the meaning of steampunk’s “punk” and the relevance of the rebellious spirit of the latter to the political philosophy of the movement. We intend to produce further articles soon!
In the meantime, please join our discussion about The meaning of “punk” at our forums, the Smoking Lounge.
6 June 2008 | MUCH MORE DIESELPUNK
The past few weeks, the Aethernet has been augmented with two more websites about dieselpunk! The first of these is Mr Jack’s Gearing Up, offering several perceptive posts thusfar, discussing the characteristics of and meaning of “punk” in relation to, the genre.
Our other acquisition is The Flying Fortress, but recently published yet providing impressive insight about the genre already! We are glad to exchange links with both blogs and recommend you delight each with an extended visit!
5 June 2008 | FLOATING FISH | Comment
More floating madness today, from a Mr Mats Minnhagen from Sweden who presents this unusual scene.
“In vertical Oriental cities, gas-filled floating fish are commonly used for cargo transport,” according to Mr Minnhagen. “Being very docile creatures, they normally create no fuss. But then once in a while a fish panics in the narrow passages and tries to get away, shaking off the little people climbing all over it and tearing down wooden bridges and market stands.” And such is what we see here!
4 June 2008 | RED ALERT 3 | Comment
We reported on the upcoming installment in Electronic Arts’ popular Command & Conquer series back in March. Since, a lot has changed and been made available.
The game’s Official Website has been augmented with further information about the plot and setting and weapons of Red Alert 3, several trailers have been released, and of course there is lots of concept art, of which this depiction of a Soviet “Tesla Trooper”—added to our WAR ROOM—is but one of many ravishing artworks!
3 June 2008 | FLOATING CITY | Comment
Behold “Laputa” reimagined, only now consisting of not a single floating rock but a dozen at least, with temples and palaces erected in classicist style upon them and flying sailing ships swarming all about.
This fantastic vision was created by a Mr Josh Kim from California, who maintains a further selection of his latest artworks at a Blog. This particular depiction he entitled “Adventure of Frank and Folly,” though we have been quite unable to find out who Frank and Folly are...
2 June 2008 | BEN STIRLING’S PROPAGANDA | Comment
A Mr Ben Stirling contacted us recently to draw our attention to the fine collection of steampunk propaganda posters which he offers For Sale.
Mr Stirling, who goes by the modest handle of “AttemptedArtistry,” currently provides five posters, priced 20 dollars each. Our favorite, displayed here, depicts a rather eerie automaton, apparently meant to illustrate whatever enemy is threatening civilization nowadays and urging citizens to “Stay vigilant!”
1 June 2008 | STEAMPUNK LAMP | Comment
We reported on one of Mr Art Donovan’s beautiful steampunk lantern before, in early April; the “Siddharta Pod.” Now we must definitely draw your attention again to this fine gentleman’s inventions, for he has deviced a whole new series of lamps and clocks you ought to see!
The lovely lamp depicted here was nicknamed “Mr Peanutski” by its creator; a one-of-a-kind, solid cast brass and glass desk lamp. Much more recent work is on display at Mr Donovan’s Website.
