Steampunk has been around for a while but it’s still mysterious to many people. What exactly is it? Where did it originate? And how do members of this subculture (or anyone who may be curious to learn more) get involved?
Origins of Steampunk
The word “steampunk” refers to steam-powered technology combined with a modern punk style. Steampunk today can refer to a style of dress or decor but it began as a science fiction genre. It’s notable for combining elements of Victorian-era history and fashion with modern and futuristic technology. Steampunk stories are often set in an alternate history world where steam power is still widely used, and features anachronistic technologies or retro-futuristic inventions as people in the 19th century might have envisioned them.
The best-known books that had a great influence on steampunk are probably Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, by Jules Verne and The Time Machine, by H.G. Wells. These two works, which have been made into various TV programs and films, were both written in the 19th century and helped to inspire the steampunk movement. However, it was the author K.W. Jeter who actually coined the term “steampunk” in the 1980s.
As you can imagine, this leaves open a vast territory for imaginative writers, artists, and designers. There’s really no limit to what you can create when you start melding these themes.
Steampunk fashion is typically characterized by a blend of Victorian-era clothing and accessories with modern materials and technologies. Popular steampunk fashion items include corsets, bustles, goggles, pocket watches, and other mechanical devices.
Steampunk Fan Culture
Steampunk can be considered a subcategory of fandom, which we recently covered on this site. Steampunk fans participate in the genre in a variety of ways. Some people enjoy dressing up in costumes, while others attend steampunk conventions and festivals. There is also a thriving steampunk art and craft community, and many steampunk fans enjoy making their own steampunk creations, such as jewelry, clothing, and furniture. Here are the ways fans typically partake of steampunk culture.
- Dressing up in steampunk costumes. There are a wide variety of steampunk costumes available, from simple and affordable to elaborate and expensive.
- Attending steampunk conventions and festivals. These events are a great way to meet other steampunk fans, see amazing steampunk costumes and creations, and learn more about the genre.
- Making their own steampunk creations. The most artistic and ambitious steampunk aficionados make their own items, either for their own use or to sell. This includes everything from jewelry and clothing to furniture and even working machines. There are many resources available online and in libraries to help people learn how to make their own steampunk creations.
- Writing steampunk fiction and creating steampunk art. Steampunk is a popular genre for both fiction and art, and there are many talented steampunk writers and artists out there.
- Playing steampunk role-playing games (RPGs). There are a number of steampunk RPGs available, both tabletop and online. RPGs are a great way to explore steampunk worlds and characters in a more interactive way.
Get Involved in Steampunk
Steampunk is a welcoming and inclusive community, and there are many ways to participate, regardless of your budget or interests. If you want to learn more, the following are some resources to consult.
Steampunk literature –A list of books that helped to inspire the steampunk movement.
Steampunk Explorer – Lists and discusses steampunk-themed events.SteampunkCons.com – A site to find steampunk events in your area.