IT'S ALIVE!! THE STEAMPUNK EXHIBIT - Oxford England!

As promised, this month’s posts wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention one of the single largest exhibits; I’ve ever had the honor of being a part of. I’m speaking of course about the Steampunk Exhibit at the University of Oxford, History of Science Museum, curated by Art Donovan and hosted by Doctor Jim Bennett. When I got the Top Secret e-mail from Art telling me what was brewing and that he wanted me to be a part of it, I never guessed it would grow to be such a huge event. I’m still actually processing it and I’m sure it will hit me like a ton of bricks once the show is actually open.


A little back history, I first met Art Donovan in 2008 at a Steampunk show he curated in the Hamptons, NY. His work entailed some beautifully crafted lamps with a precise attention to detail and finishing. Some of which would have been right at home on-board the Nautilus. The Exhibit was quite the turnout, and had pieces from some other very well established artisans. Among those was Eric Frietas whom I have had the pleasure of friending on Flickr’ earlier that year, and was instantly in love with his work. Meeting him in person was even more of an honor, as I never expected so much talent tucked away in such a humble and quiet man. A self taught clockmaker of the most intriguing and mystifying clocks I have ever seen. Words cannot express the dedication and ingenuity that go into his clocks, so I do recommend checking out his blog to see his amazing work.


So Art and I crossed paths briefly throughout the day and above all he was a gentleman amongst the activities of the day. It seemed that this amazing show was put together in only a few months, and by the time I had heard of it, it was too late to contact him to ask to join the event. Regardless, I made the trip and enjoyed myself thoroughly with my wife and friends. Through the many rare sightings of Art that day, I did manage to give him my card in hopes that we could speak again before his next show. And as you figured out by now, we did.


Art and I had spoken a few times through playing blog tag, and I refrained from asking the questions “So when’s your next show?” and “Can I participate?”. Turns out I didn’t need to. It would seem that he caught a glimpse of Doctor Grymm’s Victorian “EYE-Pod” from the numerous sites it popped up on across the Internet, and wanted it to be in his next show. A show that was clouded in secrecy. So secret in fact, that Eric Freitas and I were both in it but didn't know it.


Well, fast forward to today, October 12, 2009. As the BBC Reports, the RSVP event happens this evening! My invitation came in the mail a few weeks back (seen above), and even though I am not able to go, I was ecstatic to get it! A program of the opening event can be viewed HERE, and there is even a Student Art Competition to coincide with the even and the brochure features my Sewing Goggles. So speaking of goggles...


The last two pieces for this show have been revealed! two pairs of goggles inspired by Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. As there will be many goggles on display at the Museum, I wanted to be able to showcase my sculpting skills and make mine stand out a bit from the rest. Art did ask for the most unusual goggles I could create, so these were crafted especially for this show. They are completely sculpted from Apoxie and are very sturdy. The "Nautilus Goggles" are, of course, a nod to the infamous submarine of Captain Nemo complete with the spiked nose bridge of the mighty ship. It's finish is a time weathered copper and patina accentuated with hundreds of grime coated rivets. Unfortunately the luminescent green "portal" lenses did not arrive in time before shipping, but will be added to the final goggles if they are sold. The addition of the "Squid Attack" Goggles was one I have had in mind for a while, but wasn't sure how I wanted to pull it off. I am actually quite happy with how they look and I think they are the most wild pair of goggles I have made. reaching tentacles and sharpened teeth hold the lenses permanently in place. The green and copper accents are painted with an inky wash that bring out the scarred and wrinkled skin texture. I hope that this pair brings a few unsettling looks from guests at the Museum.



These goggles Along with my Vampyr "Blood Lust" Goggles, and "The Whole 9 Yards" Goggles and the "Eye-Pod" completed the group of pieces, which I am happy to report, made it safely to England. Art reports that set up is complete and my work looks "absolutely magnificent" with the other artists work in the show. I can now breath a sigh of relief as I must admit, that with Mr. Donovan's high standards of work, it's great that he likes my work now that he has seen it in person. Not that I doubt my work, but it's always nice to have kind words said from other artists that you admire.


That said, I wish Art and all fellow artists the best of luck with this amazing venture and perhaps some day soon, I can walk into the echoed halls of that museum and see the exhibit for myself. If so, I will hold my head up with pride knowing that I was a small part of Steampunk History. And who knows where all this might lead.

For now, it's back to the lab with me. I will leave you with some interesting links of reports and images from the exhibit! Check back soon, there will be more to come!

- Official Exhibit Blog by Art Donovan
- Oxford Museum Steampunk Exhibit Page
- Purchase the Official Museum Journal Exclusive Interactive CD
- A Flickr Gallery for the Exhibit
- MAKE: UK Article
- BBC Podcast and Article from opening day
- Broad Sheet - Oxford Museum publication featuring Lovelace and Babbage
- Podcast interview with Jim Bennett
- TOR.com article


Be Grymm~
~The Doctor