Valenitne Wolfe and Marcus at Oh Cha

What a unique evening!  Mark, Lindy and I started at Bellacino's, then visited some of the galleries downtown, and finally headed to Oh Cha tea house set on the shores of the Reedy River, where we found all kinds of eclectic individuals: artists, writers, photographers, musicians, steampunk, gothic folks, 1950's style pin-up girls. We had a great time seeing James and Ben, Elizabeth and Tesla & I had a chance to give Ben the beeswax collage I made for him but alas, I forgot to take photos of it. My camera batteries also died so I only was able to get this one photo of the show.
  We were all gathered to see Valentine Wolfe with guest performer, Marcus Hill, who plays Middle Eastern drums. What an innovative performance! They started out with Dead Can Dance and then played everything from torch songs to Baroque to a Tudor piece written by Henry the VIII. Of course they also played some of their songs form their own CD's, Five Nocturnes and The Crimson Masquerade.  Probably one of the most eclectic shows I've ever seen. Braxton has proven me wrong.  When I first met him, I thought only cellists could tease such a range of sounds from their instrument, but all night long, Braxton stretched the limits of what sounds anyone could imagine emanating form a bass. Sarah's operatic voice was perfect for the diverse melodies and the drumming by Marcus put it over the top in the intimate, jam packed tea shop. I could watch Braxton for hours because of way he plays his bass to evoke a range of tones and melodies exploring the pieces with depth, emotion and at time surprise.  The solos were stunning.
Sarah looked as dramatic as always, dressed in one of her own creations and I overheard your women commenting on how they liked men in kilts.And the audience dressed to match. Just about everyone who walked in the door was unique in their own way, yet the room was all inclusive, all welcoming, despite the jam-packed supercharged atmosphere. Everyone there was mesmerized, 100% per cent present in the moment, all eyes on Sarah, Braxton and Marcus.
James mentioned that the experience was like an "art house film," and that it was, I felt like I was in some subculture scene out of a film on the order of The Hunger. I kept expecting Bowie to walk in out of the rain to join the standing room only crowd, and nod to the trio with an appreciative subtle grin of acknowledgment on his face.   

Valentine Wolfe mini album

I made this mini album back in the fall of 2010 but couldn't show it until I handed it over to Sarah and Braxton, the singer and double bass player for the goth/steampunk macabre musical group, Valentine Wolfe.  This duo has appeared in a variety of venues including clubs, steampunk and other conventions and even are booked for an upcoming tea house.  By day, Braxton is a double bass player with the Greenville (SC) Symphony Orchestra and Sarah is a costumer at Costume Curio. Sarah also has her own specialized costume and accessory business on Etsy, called Valentine Wolfe,  focusing on corsets, shrugs, top hats, tri corns, wrist cuffs,  and many many more amazing items which are especially desired in the goth and steampunk arena.
Sarah and Braxton are an incredibly talented couple.  And because they were so kind as to give out free Valentine Wolfe Cd's at one of our local gatherings of the Upstate Steampunk Dining Out Society, I felt inspired to make them a mini album. I haven't shown the photos before this due to time, other things going on and the fact that I couldn't reveal it until I delivered it to them late last year.

Because they do goth and steampunk, I went for an elegant but grungy look using a lot of black, browns and reds, for some reason the butterfly hits me with them because of how light and airy Sarah's voice is.
I used a lot of different products some from Tim Holtz, 7 Gypsies, Graphic 45 papers and tags, the Once Upon a Time papers photo mats and journaling cards.  Of course, I added a lot of musical symbols and elements and lots of journal pages and journaling tags because they travel to a number of performances each year and perhaps this will help to capture some of those memories.
I added fold-out photo books too. As a  special tribute, in one of the envelopes, I stashed the lyrics to one of their songs for remembrance.  And used keys words such as dream because they are doing just that - following their dreams. They are so photogenic and wear such amazing stage costumes, it was hard to choose what photos to include. Some of the photos were accentuated by the artist, James Nimmons. Hopefully they'll find places in this journal to add more as they continue on their lyrical journey. I bound it with three book rings and added handspun yarns, ribbons, charms and bling to the binding rings.

Upstate Steampunk dining out at Fitzy's and more

Busy weekend, getting to see Mark at the new

Coffee to a Tea, attending the Upstate Steampunk dining out at Fitzpatrick's where we had a turnout of 44 people and I hung out with lots of friends, Cindy, John, Lindy, Bethany, the irrepressible Ben of IFB, Tara and Elizabeth, Gypsey, Marla, Sarah and Braxton of Valentine Wolf and met new friends as well, including, Shelby and Eddie.  Lots of great Irish food and good conversations, talking about books and science, music and the upcoming plans for the Upstate Steampunk Con next November at the Garden Hilton Inn in Anderson,SC.  Gypsey is already setting things in motion for indie films, a late night Victorian costume swimming party in the indoor pool.
Gypsey is hard at work setting things up and has already planned our next Upstate Steampunk dining out for March 5, 2011 at the new hotel so we can check it out and see how to use every inch of it's space to our advantage.Check the hotel out - it looks lovely in the photos.
Beware all!  Ben and I are putting our off-kilter heads together and plotting the crazy tea party, picnic, scavenger hunt,for some day in the spring at a park.  Ben has experience with a mad hatter tea party and I have scoured the steampunk empire for ideas, so it will be a jaunt into Wonderland for sure!  Details to come!
 It was wonderful to see so many people at Fitzy's dressed up in new and amazing new costumes. These people are dedicated. We freaked the mundanes downstairs and inspiration was offered all around. I came up with something at the last minute. It was cold outside! So I stuck with a sweater skirt and corduroy jacket. I did wear my poisonous plant necklace and the watch fob watch I made with copper and beads, and had fun fixing up the hat with the goggles I won from Nick Valentino. He offered them in a contest for tweeting etc. about his book Thomas Riley.  Which I didn't even know I'd entered, I was just tweeting because it's a fun book. I jazzed the goggles up at the last minute out of desperation and for fun used butterflies.

And while it was fun playing on facebook, more plotting, exchanging book ideas with new friends, I had to settle down and focus and finish writing the article I'm writing on the psychology of steampunk for the Upstate Steampunk Anthology, Gypsey is editing to be published by Cambridge University Press in England.
I think it's written, may need a bit more organization and some copy edits.  So I'll put it aside for a day or two and then check it over and hopefully have Brian do a critique before I submit it.

    Photos by Pher Reinman of Touch of Grace Photography

Upstate Steampunk Extravaganza Part 2

So much more to say.  So many highlights come back to me over and over as I reflect back on the Upstate Steampunk Con. First of all, Gypsey and Marla did an amazing job organizing this stunning event and thanks to their many behind the scene helpers as well, Brandon and Jennifer, who ran the gaming, Lennis and Howard, Elizabeth and people I don't know.  A lot of folks from the SCA (Society of Creative Anachronism) came out and knew each other. They contributed, by presenting panels, vending, and of course, creating amazing costumes.  Attendees came from all over the country and were not disappointed. 

Here are some of my favorite moments in no particular order: Seeing the vending room come alive and packed to the walls, watching Valentine Wolfe perform, buying goodies from Phinneas' table of tinker bits and seeing him with explosion dust on his face around where his goggles had been.  Watching Tofu extend the wings Mr. Steampunk, Josh Smith made, watching in amazement as Elizabeth did her glowstick dance in her marvelous costume, (she says its better than getting singed by fire). It was straight out of a dream. Then seeing IFB perform his song about the Thames, "Grey Romance,"and being scared by Frank the rabbit from Donnie Darko when he put on his rabbit mask, watching Izabella Cullen (Lindy), a first timer at a con, doing middle eastern dancing and watching Captain Maelstorme Smythe (Shane) drum for the first time in a drum circle, both of them wearing expressions of sheer enjoyment.  Then there was hanging out with Cindy, talking writing with Brian K. Ladd, seeing Megan (who was an awesome help in watching and packing up my vendor table) exchanging ideas for next year's con with Dr. Dayafter (Curtis), Missy, Jimmy, Josh, Matt, Max,  and so many more cool people.

Just plain people watching.
  If I had time and room for more hobbies, I would love to be a tinker.  I'm so attracted to all the little odd bits and pieces that make machines.  Wow !So many amazing inventions: the Time Machine, Gypsey's copper walking sticks, Organic Armories wonders.

There were a number of local authors selling their books, local musicians selling their CD's, art, a lot of craftsmanship, dueling, tea, coffee, conversations, panels, so much to offer.  This is just the beginning.  I had never been to any kind of con other than literary conventions so this was an eye-opener.  I learned a lot, suffered sensory overload, wore out my feet, didn't get to talk to everyone I wanted to, got to know really cool people better, laughed, cringed, danced, participated in two panels, talked about writing, talked about art, collapsed with a brain stuffed full of information and I only scratched a tiny bit of the surface.  Next year I want to attend more panels, stay up longer, talk to more people, sit in the wine room, dance more and  relax into this stimulating alternative world.
So now, I'm off the listen to IFB and Valentine Wolfe and plot for next year's con.

Upstate Steampunk Extravaganza brief recap

This may be a long blog, or a serialized blog due to all of the amazing experiences at the Upstate Steampunk Extravaganza.

For a short overview, I can only describe it as an elegant event – finally a con which blends the academic and the fan approach, from literature to history, technology to costume, music to the maker’s DYI ingenuity. Upstate Steampunk Extravaganza was a whirlwind journey through the alternate worlds. Set in an aesthetically stunning location, every attendee offered their own version of steampunk in every aspect.  I was constantly inspired, in awe, and caught up in this complex genre.  And the entire weekend, meticulously planned with a full range of vendors, panels and fun, was punctuated by those caught up in the energy, who spontaneously erupted into performances, duels, dancing and song.  Thanks to everyone involved for an unforgettable, enlightening journey! 

A longer account with photos and highlights coming - I'm still processing it all. 

Indie Craft Parade and steampunk!

A totally creative weekend and it's nto over yet.  Mark and I attended the Indie Craft Parade (Greenville, SC) and boy was it wild!  Lines out the door, down the steps out the big mill door, down the street!  It was wall to wall crafts and shoulder to shoulder crowds.  All the people made it difficult to see everything (we had to look over heads) and we had to move when the line moved, because we couldn't hold it up to browse.  But I have to say the quality level of the artisan's work was out the roof of the Hugenot Mill and I came away inspired.  Must make flowers and more or my own papers! We left that craziness and went to The Artistry Gallery for a photography show of France scheduled to appear in National Geographic.  Just peeked into Ryan Calloway's blacksmith shop, had a quality visit with Janina Ellis, one of our friends and favorite artists (both Mark listed and I own some of her work) and then listened to artist, Hamed Mahmoodi with his marvelous and exotic storytelling as the sun set and the fall breeze blew the clouds around.  A lovely start to the weekend. 

  So this weekend, inspired, I made my first steampunk mini book, using Graphic 45, 7 Gypsies, Industrial Chic and Tim Holtz papers and embellishments and am thrilled with the results.  Got in the zone on this one and went to town, listening to Valentine Wolfe and Din of Thieves. 
My major inspiration came from Steffogal (with a Grin)  and her Steampunk Debutante Mini Album, Manoli Navarro's, Simply Irresistible card, both of whom are on the Graphic 45 Ring and Zettie Bettie's Vintage Grunge Mini Album video on you tube.

I made all my own pages from chipboard backs of paperpacks and cereal boxes.  I also made all my own tags except for the Dream Journal tag. I did use library card holders, vintage photographs, lace and stamps, my handspun, hand dyed yarns, my own drawings, and ribbons. More photos are up on my Graphic 45 page.

Upstate Steampunk Meetup

There's nothing like the local steampunk meetups of Upstate Steampunk to get me inspired.  This was another fun meeting at the gorgeous hotel where they are holding the Con in November and it's a Victorian Dream.  We sat in the lobby for a while, then adjourned to the wine room throwing out all sorts of ideas.  It was such a variety of people, Gypsey, Marla, Elsa, Ophelia, Sarah and her sister (I can't remember but I think her name is Debbie) many in steampunk gear - we all tend to shop at goodwill or other thrift stores and now have too many really cool outfits to wear at just one con.  I love it, we have the same kind of talks my family has at Christmas on how little we paid for really cool stuff.  This month's highlights were boots- especially Sarah Madison's witchy pointy toe boots.  I found a killer corset for $4.25, new with the tags still inside, just the day before, only because it was hanging on the end of a rack.  I wasn't shopping for clothes, but was hunting for items to use in the art journals - no luck on that score, but did do some early Christmas shopping, found an organzier for all my art journal supplies which previously end up spread out on my bed. 
Another Sarah and Braxton from the brilliant band, Valentine Wollfe handed out free a CD, Five Nocturnes,  which actually, by my count, has eight of their songs.  And it's amazing.  Sarah has a beautiful operatic voice and Braxton plays double bass in the Greenville Symphony/ On the Valentine Wolfe CD's he makes his bass do incredible things (I love the Romney style melodies he plays) and he also does electronica music.  I can't wait to see them live at the Con - and in addition they are really cool and intelligent people. They have a new CD coming out at the con called Crimson Masquerade, so I can't wait to hear that one as well. Plus Sarah makes the most amazing mini top hats, tricorn hats and Steampunk garments - very original and available on her Etsy. 
I brought my Steampunk Art Journal and it made the rounds, from established steampunk friends to newcomers just learning about the genre.

There were so many interesting conversations - Vendors who will be at the con, discussing their wares, such as Ophelia from Studio Clocktower,  handed out our business cards.  Gypsey taught us how she makes her copper walking sticks with glow in the dark handles - and we also had  a chance to talk to a lot of the people who were at the hotel with other groups.  So many folks asked us all about steampunk and we enjoyed telling them.  A girls' soccer team even wanted their pictures taken with us.
So if you are thinking of coming out and joining us, don't hesitate. Brandon and Jennifer were there talking about some of their plans for the gaming activities (which is in another stunning room) and we requested that the bartender ask the higher ups to stock absinthe for the Con weekend.
I am so inspired that a couple of my chapters in Foxglove Broadsides will be set at a hotel modeled on the Greenville Marriott, Pelham Road.  I'm probably going to move the hotel to Paris because my characters don't leave Europe, but I have to use it now.  The setting is just too perfect for espionage and a meeting of my revolutionaries.

Upstate Steampunk Meetup

What a great time at the Upstate Steampunk Meetup at the Greenville Marriott Hotel The Hotel is Stunning! It is certainly a throwback in time with lots of gorgeous event and gathering rooms, indoor fountains, tiled walls, lots of atmosphere and antique looking accoutrements so it will feel like a total immersion con!
Many, many places for great photo ops.
The little details will amaze you, such as a piece of collage artwork with a letter in it dated in the late 1880's, real working antique telephones, brass antique bicycles, old clocks, trunks, globes, books, lots and lots

of hurricane style lamps. There are large amazing event rooms, very grand as well as smaller meeting rooms, a gorgeous bar, a wine bar, a claret room, a posh indoor courtyard, dark study like rooms with wing
chairs and fireplaces. I met really cool people, all different types and personas, some of the vendors and of course, organizer, Gypsey Teague and Marla.
Gypsey did an amazing job finding this hotel. It is a dream hotel for a steampunk con. The gaming room is gorgeous. One of the gentleman took lots of photos so hopefully you can find them online soon. I
suggest you go to the website of the hotel on the Upstate Con site and check out all their photos - although they can't do the place justice.

I only wish everyone had brought calling cards or business cards, so I could remember names and get email addresses. Also there were potential vendors and lots of creativity! I believe in buying direct from artisans and supporting the arts.
There were two people who made top hats, mini ones from Sarah from http://valentinewolfe.com/">Valentine Wolfe, and full scale ones from Soozy the scattered crafter, one who made dolls, and Bethany Williams who makes fused glass steampunk jewelry.
I had the opportunity to show off my latest projects too:  various steampunk journals and boxes which are themed toward the different personas, such as aeronaut, botanist, chrononaut, lady's dream journal, a lady's day journal, a travel journal which are all available on my Etsy page at Gail Gray Studios.  I'm revitalizing my old merchant business Black Swan Thieves Market as a steampunk and SCA (medieval) shop 
It was cool to meet the musicians from Valentine Wolfe, Very bright and fun too. Also very down to earth. I cant' wait to see them perform.
I'd like to have some persona discussions too so I know a more about the people when I see them at future meetups and cons. There were some awesome get ups, but I didn't get to talk to everyone.

Thanks, Gypsey for finding such a beautiful location for our first local con Upstate Steampunk Con.
The atmosphere will transport us in time that's for sure!

Add a reply