Thursday, September 4, 2008

The Dresden Dolls, Steampunk, Octavine Illustration and an Apology



Created from the gears of industry, Steampunk is an expression of a desire to return to the elegance of tea-parties, ball gowns and the glamour of a more formal, ordered existence.

Steampunk fashion celebrates industrial beauty as pocket watch mechanisms and typewriter keys find new meaning in jewelry, adornment or collage. It is in direct opposition to the mass-produced, made in China, sleek minimalist look of the Millennium.

The Dresden Dolls, a Steampunk cabaret duo, embody this new fashion phenomenon. Their large, loyal fanbase seeks to portray this neo-Victorian aesthetic through Dresden Dolls inspired paraphernalia.

By returning to handmade, artisan crafted merchandise, the Dresden Dolls’ new website, Post-War Trade, seeks to provide hand-wrought items commissioned specifically for their fans.

Contacted personally by the Dresden Dolls with a vision for a notecard based around lead singer Amanda Palmer, I sought to create an aesthetic of old Hollywood glamour. With Dresden Dolls song lyrics and my own image of Amanda Palmer, these notecards are designed, hand-screenprinted and hand-painted by yours truly and can be purchased directly through the Post-War Trade website.

In other news, please accept my apology for my long absence. Vacation and weddings ruled the month of August leaving me little time for blogging.

I was however, featured in a wonderful eco-blog, The Organic Mechanic, with a lovely interview all about me and my art along with many ecologically minded details.

In addition, my "Career Gal" painting was featured on a major London travel site, The Londonist. And, of course, when not dancing at weddings or at a reunion, the was month spent working my little fingers to the bone creating Art Deco wedding invitations, an Art Nouveau inspired Ketubah as well as a couple new Moleskine and notecard images such as "London Mod." I hope to get everything posted soon. And I promise I will not be gone for so long again. I missed you all terribly.

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20 comments:

heidi said...

SO beautiful!!!!! You are one gifted lady!

CSD Faux Finishing said...

Sounds like you had quite the amazing month celebrating all kinds of amazing life achievements either for you or others in your life! Kudos on the notecards & feature of your painting as well as the interview :) I hope September is busy as well but maybe not as busy because I missed your updates :)

tangobaby said...

Oh, I'm so glad you're back! Hooray! And with lovely news and images to share. Thank you for explaining exactly what Steampunk is. I saw some of it exhibited here in dress and design at the Dicken's Faire and wasn't exactly sure what it meant. You've encapsulated the concept perfectly.

I think I would like to become an honorary Dresden Doll.

ps. Did you get the email with the photo I sent? Your magnet is so happily dressing up my refrigerator! I love it!

Hadley Makes said...

We missed you, too! Congrats on all your successes. It must feel wonderful.

This Makes My Day said...

Wow, I have a deep respect for you and I'm glad to read all your successes too!
I'm honoured to know your site and works!

Have a good weekend!

Cakespy said...

It's been a while for me too! Congratulations on the London show! And on all of the other awesome projects! And on wedding season being over! Na, just kidding. Weddings are super fun (and you're always guaranteed cake!) but sometimes it's nice to have a weekend away from them!! Hope you're well!!

Krissy | Paper Schmaper said...

Welcome back and congrats on the success!!

Bonbon Oiseau said...

i missed you too! this image is so beautiful and congrats on the notecards for the dresden dolls. you are so talented!!

Mary-Laure said...

You're back AT LAST!
Congrats on all you wonderful achievements, I'm very happy for you. Of course: I'm a fan!

please sir said...

Congrats on the feature - this is beautiful! Welcome back too!

LeaKarts said...

Missed you too! Congrats on the interview & feature. I love the notecard, too! You are fabulous :)

Waterrose said...

Glad to see you back! The card is lovely and I enjoyed reading your description of Steampunk. I also visited the Dresden site and how cool is that!

Mrs.French said...

lovely...lovely...

Di Overton said...

I just love your London Mod notebook. You are so creative, take a great big slap on the back (as we say in England) :)

Laura in Paris said...

Don't apologize, we're glad you're back!

Rosebud Collection said...

Glad you are back..kept checking in..
Beautiful cards and I am so glad you explained what steampunk is..I was kind of lost when I saw a few things with that name.

Beth said...

Beautiful! I became a Mucha fan while traveling in Prague and now love art deco. Your artwork is wonderful

Mary-Laure said...

Dear Octavine, I mentioned you in my latest post:
http://mary-laure.blogspot.com/2008/09/chez-propser.html

Di Overton said...

Hi
Your are invited to spend a weekend, with me, traveling around my home in the beautiful Tyne Valley, Northumberland. Enjoy!
Di

Sara said...

I just stumbled onto your site--and wow, I love what you do, your interests and eye! Very inspiring.