In light of the recent Summer Art Series here in Lockport, I decided it may be appropriate to welcome you to a genre I hold very close to my heart. I am referring to that which falls under the umbrella term of steampunk.

Steampunk, in its most basic definition, is a merging of two generations to create an alternative one. In other words, the steampunk subculture is the embodiment of an era that never happened: an era in which Victorian elegance and sophistication has become one with Steam-Era grit and innovation.

Steampunk subculture’s origins are just about as mysterious as the whereabouts of Sherlock’s directors (seriously, where is that 5th season?). It really did come out of nowhere. Since then this strange subculture has gained a substantial – not to mention –  devoted following. It is no longer simply a music or literature genre but instead has expanded to include fashion, movies, architecture, and lifestyles.

Although it may confuse you as to why anyone would extract immense joy from a pile of gears, hoop skirts, and goggles, upon closer examination it’s easy to see why people would fall in love with it.

Steampunk isn’t just a mild fascination nor is it simply a subculture; it’s so much more. Steampunk is an outlet for creativity, a reason for people to build things themselves and flaunt their creations. It’s a community of strange, beautiful people who don’t quite fit in with the social norms. Steampunk, at its core, is a robot powered by creative misfits with a burning passion for an alternative world. It’s an escape.

The best thing about steampunk – which can also be considered its sad fate – is that the subculture will never become mainstream. This is because steampunk itself is fueled by the eclectics of society, “the round pegs in the square holes,” as Steve Jobs would say. It’s a genre that is fated to forever remain in the shadows of society, but this isn’t a bad thing. As a result of the subculture’s unusual nature, only the people who truly belong will fall into its rabbit hole.

But then that makes me wonder: will you follow the rabbit into the strange abyss, or will you remain on the surface and be forever left to wonder what could have come to be?

The choice is yours.