Review - The Art of Steampunk, Revised Second Edition

The Art of Steampunk
Revised Second Edition
B Art Donovan
Forward by Dr. Jim Bennett
Publisher: Fox Chapel Publishing
Pub. Date: July 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-56523-785-8
Retail: $19.99
Pages: 168

Review:

The steampunk genre is becoming more and more popular every year thanks to recent books, television series, movies, and video games; all blending modern & futuristic technology with the 19th Century Victorian era or the American Wild West, creating steam power technology.

Artists have jumped into the steampunk genre by making original art pieces that look like they literally jumped off of the pages of a book and into reality. Author and artist Art Donovan has complied some of the most beautiful and unique pieces from authors such as Ann Pedro, Anna Dabrowska, Camryn Forrest, Evelyn Kriete, Filip Sawezuk, Jessica Joslin, Mikhail Smolyanov, Sam Van Olffen, Amanda Scrivener, Thomas Willeford, Cliff Overton, Daniel Proulx, Eric Freitas, Haruo Suekichi, Ian Crichton, James Richardson-Brown, Jesse Newhouse, Joey Marsocci, Jos De Vink, Kris Kuksi, Molly Friedrich, Richard Nagy, Stephane Halleux, Tom Banwell, and Vianney Halter.

Caravan Assault Apparatus, 2009, by Kris Kuksi

I think my first introduction into the steampunk world was when I watched the reruns of the 1960s cult western The Wild Wild West (not the movie, though it is in the same genre) and later The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. starring Bruce Campbell. As an adult I found a new interest in reading steampunk fantasy novels, but words can only describe the steampunk technology to a certain point. Since I have never scene anything described in the book, I could only use my own imagination to interpret them. Thanks to amazing artists, I can now see what the inventions actually look like.

Cooper, 2011, by Jessica Joslin

I'm not the only person taking an interest in the steampunk world as it seems the retro-futuristic style is becoming a trend, especially in fashion and furnishings. The Art of Steampunk is a wonderful book full of colorful pictures taking you into a bold new world. Overall, I enjoyed the book and I recommend to other steampunk fans.

About the Author:

Art Donovan was born and raised in New York City. With more than 30 years of experience in the art industry, he creates pieces for Donovan Design, a company created with his wife, Leslie, that specializes in handcrafted lighting fixtures and illuminated sculptural objects. Their client list includes Tiffany & Co., Benetti Luxury Yachts, the Four Seasons, Disney Cruise Lines, and countless private restaurants, casinos, and residences around the world. Donovan's Steampunk journey began several years ago when he encountered it online. It touched upon some favorite interests - history, science, and science fiction - and was unlike anything he had seen before. SInce curating the world's first museum Steampunk exhibit, Donovan continues to make highly demanded Steampunk light fixtures while constantly working to bring the genre to the attention of others.