Steampunk and Xenophobia

I’m not really a fan of steampunk, may it refer to literature or design. I don’t really like speculative fiction in the first place, so it’s not just steampunk. Design-wise, it’s just too industrial-looking for me. That’s not to say either that I hate it. It’s not really dislike, but more of an avoidance. For some reason, I feel threatened by it. It makes me feel suspicious. That sounds like a bad case of xenophobia, and, in a way, I suppose it is that.

Steampunk may not always strike me as visually delightful, but it is always interesting. They say that a steampunk artist is like a mad scientist. True enough, there is a quality of madness in a steampunk piece. Like a Frankenstein’s monster thing, but, of course, more aesthetically pleasing.

Lots of people don’t really understand steampunk. They just know it’s a bunch of metal parts soldered together to create an art piece and that it’s not quite their cup of tea. They don’t care enough to acknowledge the kind of inspiration and dedication that goes into the work. I personally may not like it, but that doesn’t stop me from thinking it’s amazing.

A lot of steampunk artists are often self-taught. They also treat their art more like a hobby than an actual profession. They work a long time in their basements or garages to make just one piece, so it’s a good idea for them to have a day job because that makes it hard for them to live off of their creations.

Steampunk pieces are often made of materials reminiscent of the Victorian era. They have plenty of metals like steel, iron, copper, and brass. Usually, steampunk installations also bear wood, glass, and leather. The stereotypical piece often features an antique light bulb.

Now, unlike other artists and crafters, steampunk artists don’t normally go to Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or your standard art supplies store and come out all set to work on their piece. They often have to scour different sources like pawnshops, flea markets, and thrift stores, and maybe even scavenge at dumpsites to find the items they need to realize their creative vision. Ultimately, they end up with a piece that looks both antiquated and high-tech.

Now, like I said, steampunk doesn’t conform to my aesthetic. While I may not want an installation in my home or office, I do get intrigued by the artist’s creative journey. I want to know how they came up with the vision, where they found their materials, what techniques they used to put everything together, etc. I think I would enjoy a good documentary on steampunk art.

Still, I probably won’t want steampunk pieces. Their strangeness makes me feel oppressed. Does that sound horribly xenophobic? I like weird stuff, but I like warm and light oddities. Steampunk usually feels cold, hard, dark, and sharp to me. Unless we’re talking earrings. I love steampunk earrings. I have a few pairs that can be thus classified with their little cogs, bearings, and other hardware bits, and they’re some of my favorites.

Of course, if you were to gift me with a gorgeous steampunk installation, I’ll overcome my xenophobia and proudly display it in my own home.