Gain some Insight into the Steampunk Competition and Festivities: Interview with Bruce
In order to better understand the objectives and symbolism of the Steampunk Competition we interviewed Bruce Rosenbaum, the head director of the event.
Question 1: What intrigues people about Steampunk’s designs and inventions?
Bruce: There is a ” cool factor ” that comes to the steampunk designs. Steampunk items combines an imagery of the past, present, and future. It intrigues people because when they see the invention, their brain is problem solving about where it’s from and from what period in time. They are fascinated by how it’s made and when it’s from.
Question 2: What’s the best Steampunk design you have seen thus far and why?
Bruce: There is no best design. There is simply a philosophy. It literally has to ” turn my gears”. It is crucial that the gears and the parts are working. I love the thought and design that comes to mind when you are looking at a Victorian and Industrial period invention. It brings to my mind how innovators back in the 1800’s- 1900’s would take great pride in their craftsmanship and design. There is a certain beauty and appeal to the object. I positively love the idea of taking a Victorian object and bringing it to life by giving it a new purpose. It infuses authentic Victorian objects with modern technology. I enjoy seeing objects that are brilliantly and creatively designed so that in the future it can be modified again. There is a definite respect and sensitivity to the object.
Question 3: What do you believe Steampunk truly stands for?
Bruce: Steampunk means different things to different people. For some of them it’s roleplay. For others, it’s the jewlery and dress. But for most, it’s the infusion of modern technology and an object from a different age. There is most definitely a ” Reimagined Reality” aspect. It almost makes it seem like the Victorian age and modern technology happened in the same time period. It is a way to combine the old and the new. It is about creative problem solving or what we would like to call Janusian thinking. This is based on the double headed god Janus. Janusian thinking has created the belief for us that combining opposites into one invention is a brilliant idea. A good example would be a hammer pounding nails into the group but it also takes out nails as well. Therefore, opposites creates best inventions and the best of both periods of time.
Question 4: What would you like others to get from the competition and festival? What is the main purpose?
Bruce: There is no other competition like this one. It gives people the sense of what’s possible and to look at Steampunk as a design solution. It teaches others to incorporate modern lifestyle into older period homes. It really inspires others to ” go beyond” and it offers a home interior design solution as well as practical solutions to everyday objects.
Question 5: Simply put, how would you describe the competition in three words?
Bruce: ” Awesome Baby Awesome! ” But simply put, it is definitely a fusion of the old and the new.
For more information check out http://www.steampuffin.com/ and http://www.crmi.org/!
