Steampunk Universe

A Vintage Collage

When I first discovered the steampunk world, I was on a polymer clay kick.  I started making little creatures covered in brass findings and “leather” belts, with little gears and nails holding them together.  The more I’ve seen of others steampunk creations, the more I loved the look of vintage Victorian crossed with futuristic sci-fi.
As I’ve moved more into mixed media, I’ve wanted to find ways of adding more elements, like polymer clay, into my work.  Adding a few steampunk elements seemed to be the perfect way to start.

For my clay elements, I rolled out a sheet of black clay, then added strips and shapes on top that were made from gold, silver, and clear clay.  I added texture to the surface of the clay before I added my gear elements, and then I baked them all.

For my canvas, I used water with my acrylic paint when I brushed it on, and then I splattered water onto the wet surface to add some drips and make the color run a little.  I splattered a little more brown to the surface as well.  I really love the texture I was able to achieve by just using acrylic paint with a little water.
I soaked one of the pieces of paper in Walnut ink before I used Gel medium to adhere it to the surface of the canvas.  Gel medium is also what I used to adhere my clay pieces.  I wasn’t sure if it would work well with clay, but after a little testing, I realized they aren’t going anywhere.  Good.  Gel medium rocks.
The last thing I did was make a thick blend of brown that I slowly dripped down my canvas.  I wanted it to be like a lava flow… slowly meeting and being diverted by each obstacle until it makes it beyond the reach of anything that would alter it’s course.
I need to ponder this one a little more.  I’m not sure what it represents at all… but I do like the composition.  Perhaps that’s enough?
Full Steampunk Universe