BOOK REVIEW: Steampunk Gear, Gadgets, and Gizmos!

We recently received our review copy of the new how-to book penned by Thomas Willeford of Brute Force Studios. The book is titled Steampunk Gear, Gadgets, and Gizmos. Its no secret that we are friendly with Thomas, his work has appeared in our last two Steampunk Bizarre exhibitions.

That being said, I think he has done a great job putting this book together. If you have ever heard Thomas give one of his panels at a convention, you'll clearly recognize his voice and story telling style all throughout this book. He has lots of side bar anecdotes and tips that come across as though you are listening to Mister Willeford himself.

My favorite section of the book is the chapter he wrote about finding his materials at flea markets and antique stores. I like that he took the time to discuss valuable antiques versus items that are more commonly found and the importance of researching items before disassembling them. Dr. Grymm and I got into steampunk from the angle of enjoying finding old items and learning about their previous purpose as well as a way to give new life to scavenged items so of course this chapter appealed to me.

Beyond that I found the instructions for the projects to be very clear. These are not beginner projects, but I think that is nice. I spend a lot of time in the craft section when I visit a bookstore, so to me it is a boon to have a more complex set of skills involved in the projects. I especially liked the instructions for the Aetheric Ray Deflector solid brass goggles and Professor Grimmelore's Mark I Superior Replacement Arm. I thought both of these projects were good to include in a how-to book because they rely on modifying commonly found items from the hardware store, rather than scavenged pieces. I think for someone new to this kind of project (but experienced with tools and techniques), would find these to be great first steampunk projects.

I would recommend this book as a perfect item to pick up for your favorite Steampunk enthusiast for Christmas. Maybe you might even get a version of one of the items in the book as a return gift! Keep your eye on the blog for a few more reviews coming from the desk of Mrs. Grymm in the next few weeks!

The Mechanical Ink Manipulator featured at the NY Ink Exhibit!

The newest contraption in Dr. Grymm's arsenal can be seen exclusively at the Mobilis in Mobili Exhibit at the Wooster Street Social Club in NY City through January 14, 2012. Hosted by ModVic's Bruce Rosenbaum, this exhibit has captured some very unique artists such as Tom Seppe, Steve Brooks, Aaron  Ristau, and Brett Kelley to name a few. Located in one of the most famed tattoo shops in New York City, the opening reception was no small gathering. About 500 guests graced the parlor that night of all ages. And the guests were as unique as the entertainment. A fashion show, Burlesque dancers, and another amazing performance by our friends, Frenchy and the Punk!

"The Mechanical Ink Manipulator" The Story:

My contribution for this Exhibit was yet another evil contraption cooked up by Dr. Grymm. A Steampunk Tattoo Gun Arm found in a dark closet in Grymm's Lab. The contraption was in an old dusty crate with the inscription "For Lydia", on it.  Once dusted off and polished it was noticed that a single glass vile of squid ink remained unused and attached to the device, as if it was only meant for one use. The most devious detail of this device was the business end... It did not have one needle, it had six! Surely made for the toughest of skin and a great tattoo enthusiast who did not mind a little extra dose of pain with their art. The device seemed to still be in working order after all these years. Once plugged in, a violent hum and tremor charged forth as the engine glowed an ominous orange flickering glow. The hand sprang to life as if it had a predetermined design in mind. Sadly after a small spark and the smell of burning copper, the machine shut down before we were able to see what the image it was trying to ink would be.  A message perhaps from Grymm, himself?  Someday we hope to work out the bugs and find out what the mystery could be. 

Construction

The piece was constructed using various vintage parts from the lab. An old paint sprayer, a "hand massager" projector bits, Typewriter parts, radio knobs, and various glass bits. Here are a few work in progress shots of before and after.

DETAILS:

To find out more about the event and the other artists involved take a look at this great article from NYBODYART, or this article from YRB Magazine,  and check out some amazing pics from the opening event by Bobby Putney, and these by Michael Salerno!

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And since I'm throwing around LINKS all willie-nillie, I'd like to share a few with you:

One from out friends at WIRED.COM, a review about the new HOW TO DRAW STEAMPUNK book.

Second, from NEW ENGLAND ARTS, a review of the Steampunk Bizarre!

Third, FLICKUME's Review of Steam Driven, and mention of it also in WIRED.COM!

And lastly, do you want to hear a recording of Mrs. Grymm at the Boston Book Festival talking Steampunk with Kelly Link, Gavin Grant, & Holly Black? go HERE

Enjoy!

~Dr. Grymm

Eye-Pod: "Two Point, OH!" A Steampunk iPod Mod

At long last, I can reveal the big brother to Dr. Grymm's original 2009 Eye-Pod!

Might I present, Dr. Grymm's Eye-Pod: "Two point, OH!" Dr. Grymm's Eye-Pod: "Two Point, OH!" is the second generation of a Mary Shelly's FRANKENSTEIN style modded iPod following the original designed in 2009.

This version has a full size 7th Generation iPod that can be controlled through the eyeball scroll wheel. The case also has a flip up magnifier and braided cloth cords. The docking station has a USB charging cord and speakers which emit sound through two brass horns. Electrical effects and color changing quartz crystal bring this monster to life! The case will fit and control any classic eyepod without any damage or manipulation to the device. The contraption stands 1' tall and is completely portable.

Dr. Grymm's newest device can be seen exclusively at the Charles River Museum of Industry's Steampunk Form and Function Exhibit  Oct. 31, 2011 through Jan. 15, 2012 hosted by Bruce Rosenbaum of www.ModVic.com.

The opening reception will be October 31st and is being coordinated by Dr. Grymm Laboratories. For the night of Halloween and to celebrate the opening of the 2nd Steampunk Form and Function Exhibit hosted by ModVic, The Museum will turn back the clocks to a yester-year when the Museum was a functioning factory bustling with activity. With the help of a Rory Raven who will hold a seance, he will resurrect the ghosts of the factory to join the visitors of the Museum for one spooktacular event!

In addition to food and spirits, Guests are welcome to join in on the seance and also experience some amazing mentalism and magic! The evening will also include a special screening of "STEAM DRIVEN" By Ajar Communications and Dr. Grymm Laboratories which was filmed at the Charles River Museum of Innovation.

The interactive event will be a feast for the senses as light and sound create a haunting mood appropriate for the whole family!

The Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation has fast become the home to the steampunk movement nationwide. Steampunk, Form & Function II offers an informational and interactive look into the world of steampunk and all that it encompasses including, fashion, literature, entertainment and much more. On display visitors will find modern Victorian clocks, steampunk lights, Steampunk coffee makers and even a steampunk humidifier.

All the Steampunk functional art objects will have practical use and will feel comfortable in anyone’s home, business or office. Visitors can also use Victorian computer stations to discover the origins of this technological Victorian world or listen to Steampunk music on a Steampunk sound system and much more!

Mrs. Grymm at the Boston Book Festival!

On October 15, Allison attended the Boston Book Festival to join a Steampunk panel with Kelly Link, Gavin J. Grant and  Holly Black. It was moderated by Maya Escobar, Teen Librarian at the Cambridge Public Library.

Usually Dr. Grymm is the face on stage, but Allison was a natural pick for this panel as she is the avid reader of the two.



We're very proud of here here at the lab for making her big debut to such a huge crowd and I'm sure it wont be the last time!

Stay tuned for our newest book HOW TO DRAW STEAMPUNK - Available NOW!

~Dr. Grymm

Dr. Grymm's Steampunk Bizarre Masquerade Ball

To continue with the celebration of the 2011 Steampunk Bizarre The Mark Twain House and Museum and Dr. Grymm hosed a Masquerade Ball. So many people came out in their finest and danced the night away, While Magician and Mentalist Rhiakath mesmerized many with both tricks and treats. We also were honored to show a special showing of STEAM DRIVEN that night to an amazed crowd!

 I was even interviewed on local Fox 21 Morning Show to promote the event and encourage guests to bring toys to donate to the Hartford Children's Hospital.

 

Pictures of the event, taken by Jessica Lilly, can be found HERE.

Thanks to everyone who came out to the event!