Steampunk. If you haven't heard of it yet, you will be hearing it more and more. Time recently had a story "Will Steampunk Really Be the Next Big Fashion Trend?" read here: http://style.time.com/2013/01/17/will-steampunk-really-be-the-next-big-fashion-trend/#ixzz2J8k2mCVL (will open in new window or tab). The story tells about how IBM predicts "that steampunk would be the next big trend to take hold of the retail industry".

IMG_6886 But what is Steampunk exactly? Steampunk combines elements of Neo-Victorian style, retro-futuristic components and science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery. Science fiction dominates this genre. Gears, cogs, goggles, airships, lace, corsets, top hats, analog devices, dirigibles and time machines are key. Think Jules Verne or H.G. Wells on acid. Steampunk is a world where steam is king, not electricity. But yet advanced fictional technologies are still being developed. Picture Victorian Britain or during the "Wild West" in the early United States. The genre really doesn't have boundaries and can incorporate elements of science fiction, fantasy and futuristic contraptions.

Followers of Steampunk travel back to the 1800's. A simpler time but with great imagination of what the future will be. Much of the culture revolves around the clothing and accessories, including highly imaginative weapons and devices. At Steampunk gatherings and events true followers will even speak in a fashion comparable to Victorian days. Followers of the genre are of the literary type, well mannered and intelligent.

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To the left is me and my friend Emilie Zagon at the Steampunk Festival in 2012 at The Leonard Oakes Estate Winery. This is an annual event with vendors, artists, music and featuring the winery's famous Steampunk Cider.

Emilie is decked out in her full Steampunk outfit including Top Hat, corset and goggles. Her friend is sporting a military outfit with finely detailed accessories.

Steampunk subculture has it's own music, books, clothing and more. There are Steampunk games and even movies (e.g. Sherlock Holmes). The possibilities of Steampunk inspired products is endless. On the web,  I've seen conversions of computers, tvs, lamps, clocks, cars, motorcycles and even homes to Steampunk.

My own Steampunk inspired artwork can be found here: http://bit.ly/UtGR7N , http://bit.ly/VOCULK and here http://bit.ly/ThXN2H (these links will open in a new tab or browser window). 

There are many more Steampunk resources on the web. Just do a Google search and you will be overwhelmed with choices. I've only touched on the subject here, but mark my words, you will be hearing more and more about Steampunk as it's popularity rises.

So, what is your take on Steampunk?