Celebrations, Building Steam and Joining Hands across the World

image by Araceli Rodriguez

This February sees the first month long, active celebration of Steampunk community across the globe. The 14th also happens to be The Navigatrix's 2nd anniversary! 

I must admit, writing this blog entry is a bit like trying to use a chocolate teapot...you see, Steampunk Hands is really not about selling things at all. It is about celebrating community, so my focus isn't really about inviting you to consider buying anything. However, the whole reason I got involved in Steampunk was because of a practical need to increase my income. This is one mother who got inventive! I amalgamated my skills as a professional modelmaker with my hobby of Live Roleplaying and created an Etsy shop. You can read all about how The Navigatrix began, on Etsy.

My learning curve in the first year was near vertical. I'd never actively created a network for business before, but I soon found it fun as it wasn't unlike meeting people at a LRP.  You come across their characters in play and before you know it, you're sitting round the campfire at 3am getting to know the person behind the persona. This is how I have met, both virtually and face to face, many wonderful people who are on a similar wavelength. Through the common love of dressing up and pretending (an admirable trait in grown-ups) we can get to know ourselves and each other much better. Isn't it nourishing to be understood?

I was contacted by my friend Suna Dasi of Steampunk India (a Facebook friend) in January and invited to join in with Steampunk Hands. This was just the boost I needed to take off in a new direction and so I dived right in, enthusiastically!

 Kevin Steil, also known as the Airship Ambassador, is the bright spark whose idea has grown so rapidly that some are already calling it 'International Steampunk Month'. The Universe often conspires towards us, I feel...

 Kevin states: 

  "Our community is an energetic force of creativity, education, and aspiration, which deserves to be expressed, shared, and valued by each and every one of us, every day.

Our friends and compatriots, known and not-yet-met, create the stories we read, make the fashions and accessories we wear, perform the music we hear, and construct the art we see....This grand collaboration makes our steam-nation possible, not just to exist but to thrive. Steampunk and our community is our playground. It is our classroom. It is our workshop."

To find out the range of people's efforts in celebration of our shared love of the genre, visit:

Steampunk Hands around the World List of Links at AirshipAmbassador.com

The Navigatrix has been spending time among the Aether Nomads

Serendipity is a fine thing. It just so happens that I had already planned to make something of my Aether Nomad idea, to have The Navigatrix spend time among a different culture, learning from them and emulating their style. OOC (that's Out of Character for non-LRPers) my intention was to pursue a more tribal style in my Steampunk jewellery, allowing me more freedom for creativity and to perhaps find a unique little niche. 

The little snippets of story that often pop into my head whilst making things had begun to grow into the idea of a fantastic, fictional culture. That was informed by my most recent Live Roleplay character (the orange tagelmust is actually part of my LRP costume too). So finding out about Steampunk Hands fit right in and has allowed me to get to know this sub-culture better. I've even tried dredging up the French I learned at school to at least have a token go at speaking to Heyk Al Khemeti, with whom I'm co-writing some of the 'Tales of the Navigatrix'. It is very rusty. A-levels were a long time ago (well, I will be turning 40 this year!).

I had been researching images for the character, using Pinterest, and had fallen in love with Moroccan design. Occasionally I'll find elements from other cultures too - it is so fascinating to learn about the world through a visual design journey.

Georgina modelling the Vintage Lace Heart Choker from my Steampunk Catwalk collection

When I first joined Etsy, I discovered that you could be part of a team in order to get motivated, learn new skills and meet likeminded makers. I loved the idea of being part of such a community, so that even though I work for myself, I wasn't by myself. The first team I joined was then run by Georgina, a highly creative woman who, at the time, had two shops. She now runs Atomic Girl, Curious Doors and Nevermore Art Dolls By sheer coincidence she lived close enough for us to meet up once in a while.  

Steampunk Fairy made for Sarah Trickler Photography by Nevermore Art Dolls

So Georgina inspired me, guided me and has become the main model for my shop. She has since retired as Team Captain and that position has been filled by our lovely pyrographer friend in the U.S. Emily Joy of EmiNation Artistry .

Together with my brother Matt of ArcaneArmoury and a few other friends, we are the Crew of 'The Unpronounceable'. Georgina is The Captain, Emily Joy is Nova Pyrelis the Combustion overseer and Matt is Weldon Rivett esq., our Mechaneer. These characters came about through Georgina's initiative of starting the Steampunk Share Page and I shall be exploring them a little as I write more story entries.

By EmiNation Artistry

When likeminded people connect, no matter the distance, a process of co-creation begins. You inspire one-another and gain courage to try a different route, to explore new ideas and broaden your horizons.

Matt and Abigail of The Wiserabbit (aka Weldon Rivett esq and Steamcaptain America) dropping character for a moment at Weekend at the Asylum 2013

Matt and I are very happy that a few good larper friends have also joined us in our creative, tea-powered quest! Abigail of The Wiserabbit is one such dear friend, met in a tent in a field somewhere in England, years ago. I'll be interviewing this fine seamstress soon!

What a fine adventure!

I would like to express my gratitude to the many splendid folk that have contributed in some way to my journey. I've come such a long way in two years and it has been purely because of the positive and encouraging support from friends in the Etsy and Steampunk communities; many of those folk can be found in both places!

Here's a list of Steampunk Etsy Teams for those interested in finding friendship, inspiration and support from various creative types across the world:

In Here Life Is Beautiful - Steampunk, Goth, Rockabilly, Bellydance, Cyberpunk, Burlesque...a spicy alternative mix!

Steam Trunk - a fairly new team seeking die-hard Steampunkers

Home for Displaced Victorians - for those who feel themselves somewhat anachronistic

SteamTeam - a large team full of enthusiasts

There are plenty more out there and you can join without having to have a shop. It's another great place to meet likeminded people.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks to El Investigador magazine and Beyond Victoriana for the  features! 

  

So..anyone for chocolate tea? In all seriousness though, I am grateful to be part of a community who appreciate the value of handmade items, usually because they've had a go at doing it themselves and know the time and effort it takes. They also know the glow of showing off their latest thingumajig, complete with brass gubbins, to a global audience that they can engage with either online or through travelling to conventions.

'The Navigatrix' looks forward to making many more wonderful acquaintances. Teach me a bit about your language! I'll have a go. My French may be rusty and my Japanese coming along 'totemo yukkuri' but I would like to at least make the effort. If you've read this and English is not your first language, thankyou! If you've used an online translation service, I hope it managed my rather verbose, enthusiastic celebration of Steampunk Hands around the World.

Happy Birthday, Navigatrix :)  

Steampunk Hands around the World - Interview with Jennie Gyllblad

These days, coincidence and serendipity seem to be often nudging me onto a new and exciting course, crossing paths with some very interesting individuals...

When a Live Roleplay friend introduced me to her friend, with a view to maybe guiding and larping alongside her in a large fest event, I hadn't quite realised what sort of creative adventure would begin.

The lovely lady in question turned out to be none other than Jennie Gyllblad, artist and designer. 

1.    What was the main inspiration behind starting your business?

"I’ve always wanted to do something that involved me drawing and painting, but it wasn’t until I went to university and did a degree in Illustration that I properly realised that I quite possibly COULD do it for a living. It would be hard (our tutors drilled that into us), but if you were willing to lose sleep, lose your weekends and generally lose your social life, you could maybe scrape by. Spending 3 years alongside likeminded people on an illustration course was crazily inspiring.

As someone who’s been drawing and writing stories ever since she was a kid, it just felt natural to keep on doing it, and if I could actually earn a living from it, then bonus points to Jen!"

The Arrival

The Arrival

 2.    What projects are you currently working on?

"Many many at the same time! I am the great project juggler! Right now I am doing a few stories alongside many painting and design commissions.

I am the illustrator and designer for Clockwork Watch, a steampunk transmedia project which has 3 graphic novels and a few short stories attached to it. So far ‘The Arrival’, ‘Breakaway’ and ‘Tick Tock IPA 1’ have been completed! More to come! In short, Clockwork Watch is a more multicultural Steampunk world where the main focus is on a Sikh family that is called over from India to London, due to the father Chan Ranbir’s exceptional skills as a scientist.

I have just begun a book project with Jared Shurin where I will do both the cover and the interior illustrations of the story ‘The Problems Of Violet Strange’ set in 1915. It follows Violet, a rich debutante who doubles up as a secret detective! Almost a bit like a female Sherlock Holmes.

Then there’s obviously my poor neglected personal project ‘Skal’, which I only pick up when there’s spare time. It is an online graphic novel set in an Arabian-inspired desert world. The story centres around a woman on the run after having been broken out of a Monastery jail. Won’t say much more for now, but it isn’t an all-ages story, that’s for sure."

Breakaway

Breakaway

Tick Tock IPA1

Skal

3.    Where do you find your inspiration and what makes you different from the other people that make what you make?

"I follow many people who inspire me, mainly on twitter and facebook, where I am supplied with daily inspiration pictures! Twitter is really the one thing that keeps me sane and functioning. I work in my own studio, so I don’t see people all day unless I go out. Twitter is like my virtual studio where I can talk to other artists from all over the world!

As for what makes me different… I don’t like to view things that way. I think everyone’s craft is slightly different. We’re all essentially borrowing and stealing from everything around us, and then twisting it into what we find pleasing. But I guess the fact that I work traditionally with watercolour and gouache in an industry (comics) where you’d either be doing things digitally or separating the jobs (penciller, inker, colourist), could be considered slightly different? However, if you look at European comics, especially French graphic novels, you’ll notice that I’m positively mainstream and bland in comparison ;)"

Jenspiration

 4.    What do you enjoy most about your craft?

 "The Zone. The Flow. You know when you enter it and when you become wrapped up in it. It’s better than sex. … Okay it’s as good as sex."

Jenspiration!

5.What is your best advice to newbie artists just beginning their businesses?

"Keep in mind that this is coming from first hand experiences of me freelancing as an illustrator and comic book artist, so my advice may not carry over well to other industries! I am also really wary of giving general advice without knowing the personal circumstances of other artists. But with that said, here we go!

Set yourself an hourly rate, or a day rate (Do a few pieces while timing yourself so that you get a rough idea how long it takes you to work). It’s so easy to sell yourself short when you really need the commission! But keep in mind that you are doing a skilled job, so you should be paid accordingly. Please don’t work for free (unless it’s for charity or something). If someone says it’ll give you ‘great exposure’, alarm-bells should start ringing.

Be nice to others as well as yourself. This is my main advice, for many reasons. First up, as a freelancer, you are on your own, and your reputation is key. If you treat others badly it won’t do you any favours when finding work. On the flipside, if you get the reputation of actually being quite pleasant to work with, you’ll soon have more clients come knocking. Second: Going at it alone can be rough. We work very hard for sometimes very little, so never forget to be kind to yourself and to keep enjoying what you do. Treat yourself! Because you are awesome. And if you need a chat, hop onto twitter. There are loads of us out there, trying out this own business thing."

Portraits

 6.    What are your top 3 favorite shops on Etsy and what do you like about them?

"So hard to just pick one! But here goes. Also, keep in mind that my choices are very centred around my love for costume designing and general dressing up!

 Sanskrit Dream : I’ve already bought earrings from here they quickly became my favourite pair. I have about 10(!) other earrings that I am planning to purchase in the near future. It’s perfect if you want to achieve that chunky I’ve-had-my-earlobe-widened-because-I’m-hardcore look, while not being quite so dedicated.

Lydia Wall Millinery : Now this is the shop that, if I had the money, I would be buying LOTS from. I even have some custom order ideas for my future viking inspired costume that I want to put through to the lady. Lasercut leather both looks and feels fantastic. It makes the accessories look strong AND feminine at the same time. The perfect combo!

Magic Tribal Hair : Fantastic hair accessories can be bought from here! The shop owner both focuses on the tribal belly dance look and the steampunk aesthetic. If you want to combine the two, this is a very nice place to get some accessories."

7. Where can you be found online?

"My site: http://www.jenniegyllblad.com/

My webcomic (contains bad language and naughty themes at times!): http://www.jenspiration.co.uk/

My twitter (this is where I pretty much live on a day-to-day basis): @JennieGyllblad

My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennie-Gyllblad-Artist-and-Designer/224794667533925 "

The Professor Elemental comic

7.    What do you love about the Steampunk Genre and how did you become involved in it?

"I’ve been asked how it all started before, and… I honestly can’t remember when I first encountered Steampunk! I know I was doing basic costumes and characters of that style for a few years (simply out of love for the aesthetic), but never as a job. It was only when I was approached by Yomi Ayeni (the creator of Clockwork Watch), that I properly dived into the genre head first! But dare I say that I also entered the genre from a slightly different angle? The first story I did was a more multicultural one, and Yomi has been actively trying to promote a more open look for Steampunk, which looks outside of the colonial time and more into other cultures.

This brings me to what I love about the genre. It borrows positive things from the Victorian era, like dressing up and being a gentleman/lady, while also adding a large dollop of female empowerment (something which of course was not very prevalent in the Victorian era).

Jennie Gyllblad

Dare I say that Steampunk actually makes it ‘cool’ to be polite and drink tea! The genre is about experimentation, about creativity and about adventure. Steampunk is such an open genre, that there are several sub-genres residing within it. Can you have magic in a steampunk world? What types of technology are plausible? What about the look and cultures of other countries during the Victorian era? Asian Steampunk? African Steampunk? Scandinavian Steampunk! What craziness were they up to? Mix and match like crazy, it’s allowed, heck, it’s encouraged. This genre is ever evolving and ever-changing. Mainstream media are just beginning to wake up to it in the UK."

Thankyou so much for that illustrative and very entertaining interview, Jennie! I'm sure that there are many artists out there who can relate to the creative experiences that you so pictorially- eloquently describe. 

To see Jennie's Work In Progress snaps (#WIP) hop onto Twitter. It was so much fun watching my Navigatrix portrait develop - thanks again! (P.S. Hopefully, one day,we'll get to that LRP...)

 

Tales of The Navigatrix - Part 1

How The Navigatrix met the Aether Nomads and began the quest for

 'The Unpronounceable'

'The Navigatrix' by Jennie Gyllblad

"Where shall I begin my story? My childhood was spent in a small English town, gazing at stars and dreaming of adventure. I studied the art and craft of creating things to enhance one's outward beauty whilst also studying the mysteries of inner beauty. 

I became a Navigatrix and first sailed the skies in The Starbreeze under the Lady Oona... I am a fellow at the School of Metaphysic and a Jeweller. I travel far, wide and deep searching for treasures, both of a physical and metaphysical nature.

Let me tell you about my first meeting with the Aether Nomads. Quite apt, as I have recently spent three months living among them, learning voraciously!

After I left The Starbreeze, I wished to know more of the mysteries of the Aether and sought a guide who could handle both technology and the complex fluctuations of the energetic matrix that binds the multiverse together. In my studies, I came across mention of a tribe of plane-wanderers who combined an impressive understanding of science with a profound spirituality.  After some months of searching, I finally managed to locate a branch of this tribe, currently residing in northern Africa. 

The Aether Nomads spoke of a very particular (or peculiar - they were a little unclear on this) man called Al Khemeti, a loner, who seemed to have a great deal of inner strength, never apparently needing outside help to fight (fight what, I wondered?). The nomads gave me a route to go and search for him in the desert and told me that I would never survive alone, so I took their advice and paid some young nomads as guides.

The young men of the Aether Nomads enjoy jewellery as much as the women, I am pleased to say!

After just over two weeks of travelling, I realised that I was just losing money looking for this purportedly old and lazy nomad although, at the same time, I began to feel nervous about finding him. Still I searched on, but there was still no sign of him. I became rather disheartened and was about to give up. 

As I rested in camp one evening, one of the young men began to laugh out loud and came toward me. Initially, I took offense, assuming that he was laughing at me and my fruitless search. I recognised him as one of the first nomads that had mentioned this 'Al Khemeti'. I looked the young chap straight in the eye (the one uncovered by a monocular device) and expressed my deep disappointment about not finding him, as I had heard tales of a Gargantuan-class airship stuck in the Aether. It was my intention to claim this ship, gather a crew and to explore the deep truths of life through the study of the Aether. Oh, and to carry out my trade of crafting fine adornments, of beauty and meaning.

The act of surrender and the speaking of truth often opens doors that were previously unseen, not to mention locked.

He smiled and said, " As you have spoken with truth and sincerity, know this: I am Al Khemeti, one of the last Guardians of the Aether." 

The young nomad laughed and said 'I am Al Khemeti!' I suspect he read me like a book...

So it was that I made a firm new friend. The Aether Nomads are master Metaphysicians, Aethermaticians and Symbologists. They value artistic accomplishment highly; in fact, it is through their arts that they express their sciences. Even the beaded waist-chain of a dancing girl contains coded mathematical formulae and meaningful symbols.

The Aether Nomads map their lives carefully. They are anchored in one reality, yet they travel the  multiplanary realms of the Aether. They do have those that travel, not simply through dimensions but also through time, though these individuals are rare. Al Khemeti is one such.

He is also known as 'Al Khemet-Our' which means 'Light of the Black Earth. 'Khemet' is an ancient place, known to the Nomads as the origin of humankind. It is also a very dangerous place...

Al Khemeti is a 'Betweener', one stuck between light and shadow. He is a natural ambassador, knowing how to talk and trade with foreigners. He nurtures peaceful relations with all people and teaches others about the nature of the Aether and the ways of the Nomads. I am proud to be his student. "

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An Out of Character aside:

I come from a Live Roleplay background and creating characters within the framework of a rulebook, where one can choose between fictitious cultures, is second nature to me. In discovering Steampunk, I also discovered that there is no rulebook and The Navigatrix emerged whilst chatting to a friend and to my brother Matt who, at the time, was just setting up ArcaneArmoury.

The Aether Nomads are a product of the stories that pop into my head whilst creating jewellery. However, my intention is to open this story up to any who wish to choose to be inspired by it. I have invited several talented artistic friends to create items in their own style, be it art dolls, costuming, pyrography, leatherwork...so hopefully, you may see the Aether Nomad style appear in other places than my own shop.

Because the nomads travel through dimensions and time, there is plenty of scope for people to create their own Aether Nomad characters - Metaphysicians, Aethermaticians, Symbologists, Aethernauts, CloudDancers etc. Take what I write as a starting place. A little cohesion would be nice, but you have the freedom to be individual!

Many thanks go to Heyk Al Khemeti of France (merci beaucoup, mon ami!) for co-writing this story with me and being the first Aether Nomad Steampunk character!

If you have been inspired and would like to join the Nomads, keep reading my blog, read the item descriptions in the Aether Nomad section of my shop and drop me a line at: thenavigatrix@yahoo.co.uk 

Happy 'International Steampunk month!'

Sally-Ann aka The Navigatrix

Steampunk Hands Around the World - Interview with Izabela of Prior Attire

This month sees the inaugural event of Steampunk Hands Around the World, a bright spark of an idea by Kevin Steil aka the Airship Ambassador. The focus is on celebrating the new friendships that have been ignited within the subcultural boiler of Steampunk and to share our love of this multifaceted genre, across cultural and geographical boundaries.

 



I would like to share a few of the friendships that I have made along the way, friendships that have led to collaboration, inspiration and the ongoing development of The Navigatrix.

The first of these interviews is with Izabela of Prior Attire. I first became aware of this noteable bespoke costuming and bridal seamstress through Izabela's partner, who followed me on Facebook. My brother Matt and I met these two wonderful people at Steampunk Stamford, a small convivial in the historic stone Lincolnshire town. This meeting led to a collaborative photoshoot as I discovered that Izabela's 'Steampunk Amazones' range included the 'Neo Bedouin' - remarkably compatible with my own 'Aether Nomad' concept. I have to admit, I got a bit excited!

We met again later last year at Asylum in Lincoln, both Izabela and Lucas dressed in fine Steampunk Bedouin styles. So, on to the interview!

1. How did your shop get its name and what was the main inspiration behind opening your shop?

It is the name of my main business – so it was easy. The etsy store opened for one simple reason – ease. We do most of our trading at markets, but after having received lots of emails and enquiries about things available in between, we simply chucked any surplus stock here. Not a lot, as the majority sell first hand, but sufficient.

        
2. What do you create and do you have a signature product? If so how did it come to be?

What we specialize in is historically accurate garments – from late Roman to Early Edwardian. Bridal dresses, especially historically inspired bridal gowns are another speciality – and some discounted samples are advertised in the shop. The majority of etsy items however come from our Steampunk Branch -mostly because fittings etc are not always necessary with steampunk items. Signature item – I think we have too big a range to single one thing out – though I suppose for Steampunk it will be the flouncy skirt with the hitching up option, based on late Victorian petticoats.

3. Where do you find your inspiration and what makes you different from the other people that make what you make?

History, obviously , plus music and nature. Huge majority of our work is bespoke and I think that creating one of a kind , unique outfits is our most noticeable trend.

4. What do you enjoy most about your craft?

For Historical items – research and getting the outfit right. For Bridals and Steampunks – letting my imagination run wild with ideas - so the design aspect.

5.What is your best advice to newbie Etsians just opening their shops?

Not sure am the right person to answer that question – out Etsy store is a backup, an auxiliary measure, not a full time shop, so I haven’t been taking a lot of time to promote it, organize it etc. but generally – make sure you get proper photographs of your items, professional if you can – and be honest about the items in descriptions.

6. What are your top 3 favourite shops on Etsy and what do you like about them?

Am afraid I don’t really follow other shops. I do mark some items, but I don’t spend enough time here to decide on favourite sellers.

7. Where can you be found online?

Facebook ( Prior Attire, Prior Engagement and Off the Rails) ; websites Prior Engagement , Prior Attire , Off The Rails: Prior Attire Steampunk Bazaar , Twitter too...

8. Do you have any coupon codes / special sales / upcoming or current promotional events going on in your shop?

Not at the moment, but there may be some items incoming soon– we suffered a fire recently, and the majority of the stock has been damaged. All the items that survived and are in wearable condition are already on sale on Facebook, but will be adding a few steampunk ones here too – so keep your eyes open. At the moment the newest item is our desktop calendar with some arresting images from the after fire Photoshoot.


9. What is it about Steampunk that you love and how did you become involved in it?

Creativity and the DIY aspect, it was easy to embark into Steampunk from the Historical side of the business and I love creating new items that are practical, original, and don’t have to adhere to the rules.Thankyou so much Izabela. I wish you luck in recovering your stock and I have to say how admirable it is to turn such a disaster into a photo opportunity! Matt and I both look forward to bumping into you both again at some splendid Steampunk gathering.Remember, for Twitter and Tumblr information on the Steampunk Hands event, use #SteampunkHands and to find out more about The Navigatrix's fellow crewmembers and dear acquaintances, use #friendsofTN 

May you find new friends, nurture existing friendships and treasure old ones,

~ The Navigatrix

Happy New Year!

Welcome, 2014!

This year has got off to a promising start already. No sooner was my daughter back at school than I received an interesting invitation from the lovely Suna of Steampunk India.

In February this year, Steampunks around the globe are being invited to join in a celebratory event entitled Steampunk Hands Around the World.

This event will raise awareness of, in my opinion, the most important component in the genre: that of friendship, collaboration and mutual benefit.

It is being organised by Kevin Steil aka the Airship Ambassador.

To find out more and to join in, in your own way (small or large), get in touch here: Kevin@AirshipAmbassador.com

You can also visit his blog here: Airship Ambassador Blog

I'm currently plotting my course...serendipitously, The Navigatrix will also be celebrating its Second Anniversary in mid February!

Free Gifts!

With every purchase, while stocks last, I shall be sending out one of these individually cut felt moustache brooches. You do know how I like to make everything differently, well these are no exception.

Shop News

I have set up a Newsletter service through Mailchimp. Just before Christmas, our once dependable old Mac decided that it had had enough and went 'bang', so I've been working through my phone (and occassionally nipping over to ArcaneArmoury to borrow my dear brother's Aetherweb Interface Device. (which rather charmingly spells 'aid' - yes, they are a great help, are they not?)

If you would like to register your interest in signing up for the Newsletter, you can send your details to: thenavigatrix@yahoo.co.uk

I plan on monthly newsletters, when we acquire a new 'aid'. 

One last request: I am a one woman business and quite frankly, depend largely on word of mouth for my advertising. So if you would be kind enough to pass on my shop details (www.etsy.com/shop/TheNavigatrix), Share my Facebook posts, retweet my messages and reblog my articles and pictures both here and on Tumblr, I would be most grateful. If there's anything I can do for you in return, do let me know.

Wishing you all a Happy, Healthy and Wealthy 2014,

Sally-Ann ♡