The first time I encountered the term “steampunk” was in the virtual world of Second Life. I rode a hot-air balloon and saw interesting and wacky contraptions! Merging of the mechanical gadgetry of the industrial revolution with the sleek high tech digital age provides some unique creative expression. One of the librarian blogs I follow (see the Centered Librarian– where do you find all the cool photos!?) shared this PBS Arts Special on the topic of steampunk. Take a look:
The idea of an altervative historical genre is aesthetically appealing particularly in a time when architecture and design are often dictated by short-term goals. Disposable, economical buildings are more prevalent than beautiful, expensive and artistically designed ones in our current culture. Clothing, too, is made to appeal to the masses and styles are dictated by the media and celebrities. Perhaps part of the appeal of steampunk is the return to an earlier time- when things were built to last. Combine that appeal with the wildest inventions one can imagine and the mix is both comforting and disturbing. An oxymoron is, in my opinion, a true expression of life’s essence.
In March of 2010, the Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education Conference had a steampunk theme. Some of the presentation venues (virtually spaces where avatars gathered) had interesting mechanical gadgets with lots of metal gears and parts. Participants, including myself and colleagues from the University of Washington, dressed in steampunk attire during sessions. I filmed a few machinima shots during our session and at the main conference meeting space.
Although I am not personally a steampunk enthusiast, I am intrigued by all genres of transmedia. My brief trip into the realm of steampunk was an example of transliteracy because I experienced the genre across a variety of communication platforms.