STEAMPUNK 'Sculptures'
Engineered from Musical Instrument Parts
So exactly, what is Steampunk style?
Steampunk style is a mix of:
a) The 19th century Victorian Era of the Industrial Revolution, with steam as its major source of power/energy (i.e., steam engine trains) and spring devices, with
b) The imaginative world of science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction. Sometimes thought of in a rebel nature called punk – the attitude of ‘whatever you want to make of it.’
This style can be used to describe not only sculptures, but clothes, toys, video games, and films. In 1954, the Walt Disney film,’20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’ was characterized by steampunk style in the design of the submarine and the costumes of the actors. You can even find it in everyday objects such as desks and bed lamps. Materials and elements used range from metal, including copper, brass, steel, iron and other heavy metals to glass, wood, or leather. Elements may include watch parts, nuts and bolts, rivets, cogs, clockwork, levers, springs, gears, chains, brackets, and even musical instrument parts.
This display represents Steampunk Art sculptures that were made in part, from musical instruments. As you explore these engineered objects, can you identify the musical instrument parts and instruments that were incorporated into the artwork?
‘Starship of Our Federation’
Artist: Robert Backowski (1932-2021)
St. Louis, Missouri
Mixed metals, wire, wood, glass
ca. 1980s
Length: 62 1/2 in; Height: 56 in
This signed mixed media modernist sculpture is an elaborate form of nautical, aeronautical, and musical motifs. Reflected in its name “Starship of our Federation,” is the popularity and passion for Star Trek. This fantastic sculpture is also a homage to a line drawing by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason. Titled, “A Bizarre Collection of Antiques and Curios,” it was used on the cover of their 1971 album, “Relics.” A similar sculpture is featured in the 1996 release.
‘Steampunk’ Locomotive (A)
Artist: Sonny Dalton (1933-2011)
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Metal, glass
1984
Height: 29 in; Width: 23.5 in; D: 8.5 in
Comprised of a 1930s automotive headlight, musical instrument parts, music box, postal mailbox, and various gears. Front and back lights work on batteries
‘Junk Metal’ Motorcycle
Artist: Sonny Dalton (1933-2011)
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Metal, glass, rubber
1988
Height: 9 in; Width: 18 in
The wheels and the ‘Indian Motorcycle’ like fenders are off an old ‘Taylor Tot’ metal baby stroller from the 1950s, even down to the small green tail lights. Also comprised of a hand grenade and musical instrument keys.
‘Steampunk’ Whirlybird’ Hat
Artist: Sonny Dalton (1933-2011)
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Metal, fiber
1988
Height: 9.5 in; Length: 15 in; W: 12 in
A whimsical found object helmet made of a water meter, musical speakers, strainer, and other found junk. Signed and titled ‘Independence.’
‘Steampunk’ Garbage Truck
Artist: Sonny Dalton (1933-2011)
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Metal
1988
Height: 12 in; Width: 19 in
Sonny Dalton always claimed, ‘One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.’ How appropriate is this ‘one-of-kind’ garbage truck. This highly detailed signed work of art is comprised of springs, ball bearings, flute keys, a tuba piston valve and much more.
‘Steampunk’ Locomotive (C)
Artist: Sonny Dalton (1933-2011)
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Metal
1988
Height: 10 in; Width: 7 in
A mixed-metal steampunk locomotive sculpture comprised of various found parts including the bell of a Bach trumpet, baritone horn mouthpiece, various flute keys, and gears.
‘Steampunk’ Metal Guitar
Artist: Armando Ramirez
Mexico
Metal
2000s
Height: 20 in
This is a steampunk scrap (chatarra) recycled metal guitar art sculpture. Each metal piece is heated, bent into shape and welded together using a specials welding technique called ‘puddle welding. Steampunk art is a form of nostalgic futurism.
‘Steampunk’ Locomotive (B)
Artist: Sonny Dalton (1933-2011)
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Metal
1988
Height: 6.5 in; Width: 6 in
This charming whimsical locomotive in the steampunk style has a welded amalgam of Otto Link saxophone mouthpieces accented with various valves, keys, pipes, bits and pieces from other musical instruments.
‘Steampunk’ Motorcycle Sculpture
Artist: Sonny Dalton (1933-2011)
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Metal
1989
Height: 4 in; Width: 7.5 in
Attention to detail throughout the construction of this motorcycle sculpture with a saxophone key and brass lead-in pipe for the exhaust.
‘Steampunk’ Airplane
Artist: sonny Dalton (1933-2011)
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Metal
1983
Height: 7.5 in; Wing span: 12 in
This signed single engine airplane is made from found objects of various metals, including a small engine, copper wings and tail.
‘Steampunk’ Locomotive (D)
Artist: Sonny Dalton (1933-2011)
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Metal
1988
Height: 8.5 in; Width: 8 in
A mixed-metal steampunk locomotive sculpture comprised of various found parts including the bell to a metal clarinet, a clarinet mouthpiece, small engine and other metal bits and pieces. The hood of the train cabin comes from a copper belt buckle engraved
‘Steampunk’ Tin Man Musician’ (A)
Signed “Martin”
Metal
1998
Height: 48 in (4 ft)
This ‘signed’ tin man holding a trumpet is made from musical instrument parts throughout.
‘Steampunk’ Tin Man (B)
Signed “Martin”
Metal
2000
Height: 75 in (6 ft 2 in)
This ‘signed’ tin man holding an umbrella is made from musical instrument parts throughout.
‘Aero Car’
Scott Nelles
Aluminum and Bronze
2009-2015
Length: 9 in; Width: 3.5 in
Featured on a few episodes of television’s “The Good Wife”