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
1 comment:
This is great, thanks for the post. Very interested in seeing more.
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