Upstate Steampunk Extravaganza 2011

Gypsey Teague, organizer extraordinaire

David Merrit: The Art of Absinthe

As one of the best steampunk only cons in the southeast, I must applaud Gypsey Teague and Marla for another well orchestrated event.  Steampunks from all over the southeast were greeted by the new sign made by Gypsey as we descended upon the Garden Hilton in Anderson, SC on Sept. 30, Oct. 1 and 2 for an event filled with 16 quality panels, 2 Victorian tea ceremonies, an absinthe pouring, 3 indie films, musical acts IFB and Valentine Wolfe , 6 authors (Gypsey Teague, Winfield Strock, Tonia Brown, K.G. McAbee, J. M. Lee and myself,) numerous artists, a silent auction, gaming, a plethora of steampunk contraptions, A Victorian bathing excursion and that adventurous spirit of steampunk.
There are so many high points, it will be hard to list them all but I was especially impressed by the variety and high standards of the panels from academic to hands on construction or experimentation.

Shane McElveen, Gail Gray, Curtis Hart

Morlowe Miles and Tina Zukaitis of Rogue Fire

I can only speak to the panels I attended which were a sort of cross section of this growing subculture. I can't decided which was the best.  The Alterity of the Gypsies in and its Contribution to Steampunk Identity by Lynn Childress proved to be a fascinating was unfolding of insights by this Oxford scholar and professor. As she delved into the poem The Scholar Gypsey by Matthew Arnold and  and The Golden Compass by Philip Pulman in a brilliant discussion of how once we leave the safe path to explore other cultures we cross over into a liminal zone where we no longer find ourselves in a transitional doorway.  Her lecture offered revelations like a magical box or the golden compass itself, paced yet powerful manner explaining how such a path influences those who explore the various avenues of steampunk. A deep and profound lecture offering a call to personal  authenticity.

Christine and J.T. Thorpe, Cyndra Woods

And now for something completely different: The Art of Absinthe lecture, pour and tasting by David Merritt where fun was had by all.  David is an extremely charming speaker who can explain as well as pour, while at the same time offering a history. He gave us all the opportunity to learn and sample the various methods of imbibing the Green Fairy such as the bohemian method as well as the traditional techniques for attaining a louche offering first hand tastings and interesting stories gathered in his travels and experiences.
One not to miss was J.T. Thorpe fascinating Steampunk Influences form France  which took us into steam technology and machinery of the late 1800's and early 1900's. It was a shame only ladies were in attendance and highly interested.  The men really missed out.
I was very fortunate to have a standing room turnout for my presentation, The Psychology of Steampunk, which was great fun to address, thanks to the participation of the attendees. It was my first time ever using Power Point and I found it to be a valuable and fairly user friendly tool (blowing up all my previous assumptions). I was thrilled to see the crew of the airship Serpah in attendance and enjoyed the participation of Dr. Gus Dayafter in the discussions which could have gone on for much longer if we'd had the time.Thanks to all who attended. And if anyone did not receive a survey to fill out, please email me or leave a comment and I'll get one to you.

Karen White, artist

Gypsey also had the great insight to start a new feature of the panel this year - Independent Films.  She showcased Aurora, an Australian production, Nickel Children, a film directed by Kevin Eslinger and Browncoats Redemption. Gypsey  announced that next year we will have a full indie film festival with a $100.00 to the best film of the con.

Steampunk tech by Dave Lee of Hatton cross

Jet pack wings by Dave Lee

As with events such as this, part of the overall pleasure is seeing old friends and making new but it's so much more fun with steampunk because your friends always look different.  It was great to spend quality time with my dear friend, Cyndra Woods, watch Ben's performance, have more time than normal with Tina and Morlowe of Rogue Fire and Savage of Savage Emporium and enjoy the company of new friends. Everywhere I looked, the level of creativity was so high, I spent a great deal of my free time taking pictures of the amazing steampunk gear, technology and costumes. Including this awesome jet pack with wings made by Dave  Lee of Hatton Cross.
The vendors were a creative and varied bunch and it was fun to see new artisans breaking out their wares.
I also had a good time during my stint at the author's table while promoting my upcoming steampunk novel, Orchidelerium, since I was joined by Tonia Brown, author of Railroad and Wilhemina Thomas, who presented a panel on gentleman's steampunk gear and clothing earlier during the day. 

The silent auction brought in $196.00 and the Mr. and Mrs. Steampunk contest gathered 330 plus cans for the Clemson Community Care food pantry!   

Adventures Above The Aether

Although Winfield Strock III and I both attended a gathering  with the Upstate Steampunk folks at the Velo Fellow, we didn't get the time to speak. Since then I have learned a bit about Winfield and what amazes me on one front is the fact is is the survivor of a brain tumor. Since I work in rehab with adults who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, I know how rare his accomplishment is.

I'm excited to showcase his forthcoming novel and will be even more excited to meet with him in person when he and his wife attend the Upstate Steampunk Extravaganza just as the same time as the release of his steampunk novel.

About Adventures Above the Aether:

What secrets justify hiding from history mankind’s first foray into space?  In 1881, in an age of steel steam and innovation, an eclectic collection of adventurers gather.  As resources pour in and hints at breakthrough technologies leak out, one man is sent to investigate.

Follow Solomon ‘Hap’ Hanson, Civil War veteran and Pittsburgh reporter as he uncovers a maze of mysteries.  Deeper and darker events become.  As his story unfolds more dangerous the perils become, more rewarding the venture grows.

An enigmatic message along the way keeps Hap focused on his task:  “Save this adventure from itself.”  Who will be this voyage’s downfall?  Will it be the swarthy terse soldier, Claude?  Surely the sallow British doctor, Henry Wells, and his beautiful, brave, resourceful wife pose no threat to the voyage’s success.  The most obvious danger lies in the expedition’s most brilliant member.  Nicolai’s nihilistic views come to the fore as tensions rise and crises converge.  But as Hap joins the chaotic crew he wonders, will he see the crew and voyage to its doom?

      Worlds beyond our own, Earth’s nearest celestial neighbors, beckon to be explored.  Join in the voyage textbooks cannot know happened.  Learn why such an epic event goes unwritten until the dangers of our past no longer threaten to destroy the future.  Discover the lessons learned on distant worlds a century ago which serve as harbingers of horrors hanging above our hectic globe. 

Winfield Strock III is a brain tumor survivor and submarine sailor who wrote Adventures Above the Aether following brain surgery, a coma and a change in spirit. He realized the importance of making the most whatever life offers. "Now I hungrily pursue my passion to tell a tale perchance to sing in the hearts of others as it did mine" Winfield states. "The rudder of my heart makes tighter turns, leaving a larger wake.  The biggest, the best alteration in my life’s perception came with a deepened desire to pursue my passions.  My love for my wife ran deeper and my drive to write burned brighter."

Adventures Above The Aether will be available September 1, 2011 in both print and e-format from Rebel Ink Press.