The Town Herald

The netpaper about Elftowners, by Elftowners, for Elftowners.

Feature Member Interview [Empee]

by [Chimes]




As this issue is about Steampunk, we ran around like mad things trying to find some people to interview and that is where I stumbled upon this little gem, [Empee].

How did you discover the wonderful world of Steampunk?

The first time I heard about Steampunk was at the end of 2007 when an English friend told me about it. Intrigued I did some research on the internet and came upon various websites and livejournal communities that I have been following since then. It was also then that I discovered the inspiring music of Abney Park, which soon became my favourite band and gave me a strong impression of what Steampunk is like.


What is it that keeps you going back for more?

It's the endless aesthetic variety. Steampunks are the most creative, innovative and artistic people I've ever encountered in a scene. The fact that most of them design their own outfits and gadgets prevents you from ever growing tired of watching, let alone being a part of this dynamic subculture.


If you were to be sucked into the world of Steampunk what would be your ideal profession?

I suppose it'd still be artist, even though that's already what I see myself as in the mundane world. Except that back in the days when photography didn't offer the colourful copies of reality, painting was a necessary thing and fulfilled much more straightforward purposes than it does now.


Do you have a favourite aspect of Steampunk? If so, what is it and why?

I very much like the individuality and artistic freedom Steampunk involves and also its inviolability. Even though big companies seem to be trying to commercialize it, they don't quite succeed, because what they usually do is just slap a neo-victorian look on their characters and that's it. Perhaps there are certain guidelines regarding the definition of Steampunk, but there aren't any 'rules' to follow. As I've already mentioned, this lack of a clear definition is something which makes it harder to fall into stereotypes and even though a Britney Spears can steal the fashion-related ideas of Steampunk, it's still clearly visible that it doesn't make her or her music steampunk. It's like there's an unspoken codex, which lets people who may have been occupying themselves with steampunky things without really knowing what it could be classified as, flare up all over the world and connect in this awakening. There's also something very spontaneous and homelike about it, which generates the perfect environment for collaboration and creation. I also enjoy the fantastic aspects of Steampunk a lot. With the often fictional pseudonyms and biographies, which run parallel to one's actual life, anything is possible.


There are many different variations of Steampunk, how would you define it?

When I try to explain what Steampunk is to people who have never heard of it I usually start by saying: "It's sort of Victorian Science-Fiction, which has evolved into a lifestyle." I think in Steampunk Magazine Nr. 2 there is an article about different 'classes' of Steampunks, which I don't know by heart right now. I'm not an expert on the field, but as far as I see it I think there's the kind of Steampunk, which is less Punk and more Steam, that is to say, rather neo-victorian than retro-futuristic, and there's the opposite, obviously, with a very colorful and a great revolutionary feel to it. Sometimes the line between gothic and steampunk is very narrow as well, it's all very blurred in general. For me Steampunk is simply an alternate path of history we can choose to be part of, leading us from the 19th century right into an exciting steam-powered DaVinci-designed future where cybernetics is a foreign word.


Is there anything you'd like to say to those who've, heaven forbid, not heard of Steampunk?

Well, if what was said in this Issue of the Town Herald has sparked an interest in Steampunk in you, don't hesitate to simply google it. You're bound to come across a lot of exciting links. The world of Steampunk is a hidden and very fascinating one and its followers often connect and socialise over the internet, although you may even have the option to go to conventions and balls if you live in an English-speaking country. If you like adventure and vintage aesthetics, you won't be disappointed.


I've noticed recently that the images in your house seem to have a Steampunky vibe to them, are you planning any Steampunk style art projects?

Indeed, I have been working on a Steampunk art project during the past few weeks for my art foundation course. The title is simply "What then, is Steampunk? - Illustration of a subculture". I set out to make an informative brochure for those who have never heard of Steampunk (and in Switzerland virtually no one has), but due to time limitations ended up illustrating a text from Steampunk Magazine Issue Nr. 1, which deals with the definition of Steampunk. I have taken a series of photographic self-portraits, each trying to impersonate a different role, such as an aviator, a robotic doll, a belly dancer, and so forth. I then used an etching technique to create backgrounds fitting the 19th century atmosphere and combined with the photos created a weird mix of past and present. I also wanted to illustrate musicians, such as Abney Park, Dr. Steel and Voltaire, for that brochure, but haven't had the time to do so yet. I'm definitely going to work on more Steampunk projects in the future, although I can't say exactly what they're going to look like at this point.


(A link to a bigger version of this image can be found on her page.)


Real Universe vs. Steampunk Universe, who wins?

I'd say a combination of both. I prefer the Steampunk Universe, but what would be much more exciting is if it could infiltrate the Real Universe.


Finally, if you could create any invention, mad, practical or otherwise, what would it be?

A lot of ideas spring to mind at this question, such as a remarkably lifelike robot monkey, but thinking of a more straightforward invention right now, I'd say a device which can record everything we dream while we're asleep. It would be very helpful in analysing the subconscious.


I know I wouldn't mind having recordings of my dreams. Thanks, Alexa!

-[Chimes]





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