This has to be my all-time favorite photo montage that I created last year.
Last Summer, we found ourselves exploring the English Botanical Gardens adjacent to the Ballard Locks. Together they receive over million visitors a year. The botanical gardens span over 7 acres with more than 500 species and 1,500 varieties of plants from around the world.
I’m coming out of grieving hibernation and ready to show you some pieces I’ve been working on. Long ago I discovered steampunk and my reaction was that of a little girl with a new kitten. “I love this but didn’t know what it was called!” When other creatives match their endeavors with steampunk, they too, have the same reaction.
I picked up The Steampunk Bible a few months ago by Jeff VanderMeer and love it. In the beginning, he describes how the visionaries Verns and Wells turned to their creative sides and single handedly invented science fiction. Okay, maybe not single handedly… But they each explored the extrapolation about technology -the elements of art and the decorative mesh with functional contraptions. While Verns & Wells continue to bicker over science vs technology, it was Edgar A Poe who married the two with plausible narrative. While Poe didn’t live to see the devestating power of industrialization, Vernes continued to outline mechanics in excruciating detail while Wells designed his stories with room for interpretation.
Fast Forward to Today: The allure of Steampunk is the ability to bring one’s individual philosophy and extend self-definition into a stop motion image of applied imagination. For us, it’s an opportunity to actualize fantasy based on a common thread: Trying on an identity that is totally impossible. Artists, musicians, authors are all practitioners of this enduring subculture. Contraptors are modern crafts people using archaic technology tools and live in a world of a gift based economy.
The aesthetics of Steampunk are inspired during Queen Victoria reign through to the Industrial Revolution. Repurposing the best of the Victorian period engage anarchists, contraptors, and artist to create a personal mythology that is authentic to denizens of the 19th century. Whether you’re a scientist or engineer converting electric lamps to kerosene or a designer fashioning a new cloak for the gala, Steampunk has a place for you.
There are at least 6 subgenres inside the sub culture of Steampunk and you may find that you prefer one over the other or enjoy combining a few of them to enhance your persona:
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Lastly, we have madmen and heros, and it’s up to you to decide which one you are. With so many options, it tough to chose and I know I’m still deciding.
If you’re not familiar with steampunk, here are a few links to get you started.
Steampunk on Wikipedia
Steampunk Movies
Steampunk Fiction
The Best Uses of Steampunk on Television
Steampunk Courtier Fashion
Steampunk Emporium
Steampunk Sewing Pattern Collection
Steampunk on Pinterest
I’m on Pinterest and have started a Steampunk Board. I hope you follow it and love it as much as I do. 😉
New Work. Strange and Delightful Work!
Recently, Piedmont sent out a call for two different shows and we were given the choice of participating in only one. Envisioning the opportunity in both, we decided we would submit work to the call, “Things with Wings.”
Now here’s the situation, I’m about to reveal behind the scenes inspiration on this project. You can either read through to the end of the introduction or read this entirely. You’ve been warned. 😉
Introduction
Just last Friday, I sent out an email campaign to my subscribers introducing a special project. I’m always throwing a curveball to my customers because something catches my fancy like responding to a call that requires a one-of-a-kind piece.
The email image below within the email links to my blog post. This image links to the same post if you’d like to take it now to read.
Wallpaper Anyone? This image is going to pull double-duty as a postcard I just realized that it will serve as a wonderful desktop wallpaper. If you’d like to use this intro as wallpaper, feel free! To download, just right click and save to your desktop.
**End of Intro**
Behind the Scenes:
When I called in to confirm my place, I briefly described to Nicole that we would most likely submit a tech bag with the designs that were inspired by DaVinci and paper airplanes. As soon as I thought I was finished with that description, my genius came out of no where and hit me in the back of the head with a frying pan. “Or….” I continued, “I could create a really cool little clutch. Think Mercury’s Wings meet Steampunk.”
Honestly, I had no idea where that came from but I knew exactly how it was to look.
After weeks of ironing out the details, procuring specific items, designing the finish, and 4 prototypes later, I had the clutch finished. From a steampunk perspective, this piece needed a backstory otherwise a handful of goofy wings stuck to the front of a purse just wouldn’t do it. So, for my clients, I built a small, yet exciting discussion about how I happened upon these wings. I realized that while I photographed the finished piece, it needed a hangtag as well as a postcard to send off and have printed. Throughout the rest of the week, I conjured a fantastic thread that would lead the participants with intrigue and mystery. So why not grow the project into a series of mysterious clues, investigations, and newsclips?
When I decided to create a postcard, I knew that I wanted the bag to be seen in it’s entirety. However, in my infamous way, I begin to edit out extraneous details and focus on the star: the wings. Knowing that the elements of steampunk had to be incorporated, they needed to be seen as they would be used. At the very least, let them be part of the cast of clues sitting on obscure writings on parchment.
The illustration is really coloring on top of the photographed wings. The slipper of the wing is an outlined pulled in from Illustrator and positioned on a separate layers. Millions of layers as a matter of fact -but that’s way too detailed for this piece. A victorian key, magnifying glass with a leather wrapped handle, a tiny compass, leather tie downs falsely riveted to background steel, and a gem of a piece borrowed from my inlaws: An authentic postcard of the Hindenberg dirigible postmarked from the Hindenberg itself!
There are watermarks on the edges of the parchment and steel that are industrial inspired designs and these will be seen on the clutch itself when it is revealed. Because every good mystery includes travel and a blueprint of sorts, this one includes measurements and instrument hints.
My first of the series of email campaigns begins with this (see screen capture below)
If you click the screen capture above, you’ll land on my blog posting that reads like this:
Once, there was a god of trade, thieves, & travel name Mercury. Inventor of the lyre and seen with the caduceus, it was told that he wore winged sandals as a messenger to guide and protect merchants, shepherds, gamblers, liars, and thieves.
However, one morning when Mercury happened upon a market, he found himself in the middle of a heated exchange. With an instant, Mercury disappeared and his wings torn from his feet.
We’re looking for the whereabouts of Mercury. If you know any information that can locate both he and his winged sandals, please alert the authorities. We will continue to bring you late breaking news as it arrives.
Thanks for your attention to this matter.
Lisa & Andrew
*End of Email
Next, I’ll be sending a few snippets of information and clues to generate a bit of excitement with my customers. I realize that these folks may not be my customers for my new steampunk endeavors, but at least they get a taste of how I enjoy applying creativity simultaneously in many different areas. Perhaps I’ll pick up a few enthusiasts along the way.
Thanks for reading and I hope that you got a sense of fun along the way.
Let me know if you’re into steampunk and what your persona entails -can’t wait to see your inventions. Oh, and don’t forget your goggles!
Lisa
Many people ask where I get my color inspiration for my designs. In many cases, it’s travelling. I love color and how different cultures revolve around their traditions with color. After looking through all of my travel photographs, I realize how tremendous those experiences of sight, sound, texture, and taste have influenced my design decisions –all just merely captured in a snapshot.
I’m beginning a new color palette series that can be found in my new section: Your Fine Living Style. The first in the series is the Archaic Moroccan, a colorway that inspired me as I created the Marrakech Cat journals. When you need a little color help, this palette is just a launching pad for refreshing your home or wardrobe. Feel free to mix and match these color and perhaps borrow a dash of vibrant to your muted -there are no rules here! 😉 Head to the Archaic Moroccan page to read more about how to use the palette and download for your convenience.
Speaking of pads, this image (jpeg) was optimized perfectly for you to store in your iPad for easy access.
Thanks so much for reading.
Lisa
We’re just wild about Harry, aren’t you?!
We had a tremendous amount of fun following the storyline of Harry’s fate for the past 10 years and I am sad to see it come to a close. The first time I was made aware of it was when I met up with a client in Cary, NC to discuss her logo design. We were sitting across the street from the Barnes & Noble on Walnut at a coffee shop. She was giddy because JK Rowling was arriving at Midnight to sign books.
Harry Potter? Isn’t that just a kid’s book?
She assured me that it was definitely a pleasure book for adults, too. We talked about the Christian Right nutjobs who were up in arms about witchcraft (but it’s a great story about love and evil) and how Hermione should be the heroine of the book. Truthfully, no one here in the US could pronounce Hermione, never mind that it’s a 3 syllable name, not 2 (that’s my marketing geek showing up) or that she had more lines than the two guys combined and that she was definitely the smartest witch in her class. And, no, that’s not a euphemism.
If you want to read a great article on The Women in Harry Potter Universe, it discusses the world of all the women surrounding and supporting Hermione’s feminists inclinations.
I’m Head Over Broomsticks Now
I remember twisting Andrew’s arm to buy me the UK version of the set just because it began with ‘The Philosopher’s Stone’ vs ‘The Sorcerer’s Stone.’ I enjoyed reading/watching the magic that unfolded before my eyes as Rowling revealed her own imagination. Secretly, I wished it was mine. No matter. I got caught up in touching bricks with umbrellas, clocks with faces and hands and locations for time. Now I’m trying to figure out how to have pots scrub themselves and potty boxes scoop themselves 
on a timely basis. Is that so much to ask? It was as though Rowling had connected the dots to everything I conjured up in my own head about witches and their communities. If I were invited to run off to Hogwarts, I couldn’t say no. The trouble would be which kitty I would take along as my choice…
The Epic Ending
Alas, current day brings us to quickly buying tix to see the final installment of Deathly Hallows at the Raleigh IMAX theater. A couple of dorks (that would be us) naturally had to round up friends to go see 3D sparks fly from the ends of wands. Between turning magick tricks herself, Amy and Phil, yes those FoBot people, agreed to join us. They didn’t, however, realize what they had signed up for. Mwaaaahahahahaha!
Earlier that day (of the movie) I call Amy and ask her what her favorite color is from JCPenny. “Plaid.” Yah, thanks Amy, that was helpful! I tell her that she must participate in a little experiment because going to see this movie as adults isn’t geeky enough. I just know I’m going to pay for this later.
You know what they say about idle hands… Andrew and I got out a pack of old t-shirt transfers for dark colors and we go to work in our shop applying a fun design inspired by horcruxes. Because we all know making horcruxes is fun but only at the merci of someone else’s peril, this reminder is paramount to any artist’s “lifestyle.”
See? Aren’t we just the geeks meow?
While these t-shirts aren’t for sale (yet), I did decide to create a few bonus pieces for you.
Fine Art for Your Studio
I’ve always loved calligraphic banners and scrolls found in gothic design, I decided to have a bit of fun with it this week. Make Art Not Horcruxes is a vintage fun reminder to make the right choice between light & dark and to make something worthy with your hands. A great studio motto, if I do say so!
If you’re as wild about Harry as we are, feel free to drop by and pick up your own Fine Art Print and Art Card…
…there are a few magical bonuses included!!
Look! The Bonuses!!
Mobilize your motto. When you purchase a Fine Art Print, you get wallpaper for your computer, iPad, and mobile phone. How cool is that?
Can I just say that I love how the brits say, “That’s bloody disgusting” in their cockney accent?! Cracks me up everytime! Hint, Deathly Hallows Part 1: Ron looks over the toilet stall at Harry and states, “We flush ourselves in! That’s bloody disgusting!”
What do you think? Could you use a reminder?
Thanks so much for reading!
Lisa, Your CREATIVEGoddess
I’ve been working like a dog getting ready for Artsplosure designing new products… on fabric! Meanwhile, we’ve got just a few serigraphs as a result from this weekend’s work.
What’s a pulled print you ask?
A pulled print is also known as a serigraph (or screen print) and is essentially a stenciling method. A serigraph must create a separate pattern for each color or blended color. Stencils can be cut from paper or film and adhered to the cloth (or the silkscreen) and areas can be blocked by masking to prevent paint to seep through. One to several shapes can be used to create the pattern design.
In my case, I use paper to help register the design onto the fabric that I’m printing and I started with a one color project. I want to ensure that the image is aligned with the parameters I’ve designed for the overall use and this can be a painstaking process. Because I have extra fine woven paper that I use for my CalligraphyPets prints and cards, I decided to have a bit of fun and use it. I love the softness of the metallic gold on the warm white paper. What a treat!
I only needed a few attempts to perfect the registration so this means I have only 3 of each available: large and small.
I’ve made these available on ETSY
What do you think? Aren’t they adorable?
Thanks so much for reading.
Lisa
New Inventions
We have been inventing new products in the workshop, I’m happy to say.
We’ve just created a sleek new single-sided Mobile iPhone tote for polished professionals -you, too, guys! Soft, supple Italian Leather featuring my kanji mark, this keeps your phone handy as you snap it in your gym bag, your tech bag, or tuck your phone & subway pass take Fido for that much needed walk.
I just discovered as I hang my keys from it, that it keeps my phone safely nearby. Please don’t take this as a hint to talk n’drive (Mythbusters proved that texting is more dangerous than drunkdriving) but this satisfies the inner-paranoid: should I ever get into an accident, my phone won’t be thrown under the backseat. It will be within hands reach.
Do you know any dog walkers, entrepreneurs, gym rats, or golfers? We’d love for you to share this with them.
It’s not a budget buster, either. Under $30, this inventive accessory makes a great gift.
I’m twirling like a little girl!! We found ourselves walking the NYIGF last week to spot friends and trends only to spot…
I’m so excited to see the cats finally weaving themselves into gorgeous gifts!
Have you seen these beauties?
We’ve finally done it! We’ve crafted a gorgeous leather tote featuring the CalligraphyCats!! I’m so excited to show you this roomy and smart looking West Village Tote. This is a brand new tote design we summoned back in February and decided we needed to include the CalligraphyCats in this adventure.
About the West Village: A sophisticated yet casual style allows every woman to pack her laptop, magazines, and lunch in this elegant all-leather handcrafted tote with metal fittings and large zipper internal pocket.
We love choosing the leather and fittings for our pieces. Stop by and choose yours today!
If you’re an entrepreneur and you’re choosing thank you notes for your clients, would you want opaque or translucent envelopes to accompany this fabulous design?
Remember, if you’re an entrepreneur, you’re a creative. That means you have latitude to express yourself.
Stay tuned for more surprises from us because we have many more in store for you!
Have you seen the new additions to the Pure Breed Dog Series? Oodles of Poodles and Chocolate Labs will add lively conversation in your home!
You can find more on ECStewart
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