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Steampunk Figurative Sculptures

STEAMPUNK STYLE

Steampunk style places emphasis on the bespoke, the recycled and the handmade, as well as high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Steampunk fans also share an interest in the industrial and in machines, especially steam-powered ones.

As a design concept, steampunk can feel elusive. Unlike movements such as Arts and Crafts or American Craftsman, which are rooted in specific historical periods, steampunk combines an imagined past with the present and sometimes even the future.

In the late 1980s, writer K. W. Jeter coined the term steampunk to describe his science-fiction stories, which were set in an idealized version of Victorian London. Since that time, steampunk has evolved, emerging as a design style and a subculture.

Since the mid-1990s, steampunk-styled settings and interiors have become popular in mainstream films such as Sherlock Holmes (2009) with Robert Downey Jr.; Van Helsing (2004), which starred Hugh Jackman; or the Will Smith vehicle Wild Wild West (1999). These movies present a contemporary version of the Victorian past. Steampunk elements, such as dark walls, industrial lighting, brass fittings and Edison bulbs, have also been featured in the designs of numerous restaurants.

When talking of steampunk, design professionals often emphasize the style’s industrial elements. Interior designer Stephen Shadley particularly likes steampunk’s inclusion of factory-style light fixtures. “The elegant simplicity of those fixtures, a white or clear glass shade on a brass base, the bakelite switch. They’re beautiful and functional,” he says. “Here, form follows function almost completely.”

One of the appeals of steampunk lies in its oppositions: domestic versus industrial, refined and polished versus coarse and gritty, Victorian versus new, fantasy versus reality. Because it is up to the individual designer to develop the right steamy mix, you will find a large range of steampunk looks.

A steampunk interior can appear much like the Victorian drawing room in your imagination — stately, restrained, proper — while at the same time containing contemporary comforts and conveniences. Another steampunk-style room can look more theatrical, much like the lair of a mad scientist. And, of course, objects with high steampunk quotient, such as brass light fixtures or Victorian scientific instruments, can add charm and interest to almost any set up.

Steampunk, by combining antique and contemporary and repurposing industrial items, offers a fresh way to enjoy Victorian style.

Find steampunk-style wall decorations, lighting, decorative objects and more on 1stDIbs.

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Style: Steampunk
Set of Three "See No, Speak No, Hear No Evil" Steampunk Heads / Sculptures
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool and unique set of three "See No, Speak No, Hear No Evil" steampunk heads / sculptures by southern California artist Steve Artz, circa 1980s. The Industrial looking pieces...
Category

Late 20th Century American Steampunk Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Copper, Metal

Awesome Mixed-Media Birdcage Sculpture
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A beautiful and thoughtful found object sculpture titled Cage of Fear made from a vintage birdcage collaged with gingham, leopard fabric and cigar box wrappings. Inside the cage is a 3 dimensional arrangement of mixed-media objects including childrens' blocks that spell F E A R, the hand of a clock, a disturbing plastic doll that hangs from a pulley, and deer horns. The interior of the cage is a metaphor for the jail of fear we construct in our own minds, while outside the cage there remains a constant of beauty and hope. An antique shamrock paper clip at the top suggests luck, a Murano glass piece of candy and vintage brass cherub...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Steampunk Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Found Object Table Top Sculpture Titled Pandemic
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A thought provoking mixed-media sculpture inspired by the pandemic, with 3 socially distanced figurines standing on a round glass surface that's the top of a ship porthole, metaphor for Mother Earth. It is beautifully collaged with stamps from every corner of the globe. An upside down black midcentury...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Steampunk Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Iron

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Midnight Matinee, Ceramic and Found Object Assemblage Sculpture
Located in Chicago, IL
Artist statement: During the summers in Connecticut when I was a pre-teen, I lived for playing baseball. I grew up on a farm and had to work hard, but I always made time for baseball. I played everyday and sometimes even slept with my glove underneath my pillow. I dreamed of playing professionally for the New York Yankees. The only thing that dragged me away from playing baseball was an arts and craft’s class in my school’s summer program. On Tuesday afternoon, after lunch, baseball was on hold for arts and crafts. In my first class, they taught us how to make pot holders and build things with Popsicle sticks by gluing them together. It was so much fun. I guess this was the earliest telling of what was to unfold in the future years. I continued to play semi-pro baseball until the age of 38. I was also into weightlifting and even placed in a national competition. Sports and art have always been my passions. I was willing to put sports on hold for my art, though. And sports have always influenced my artwork. My first great influence in art was my craft teacher in high school, Shirley Charron. I was not an “A” student by any means and I did not excel in math or science. Ms. Charron knew I wasn’t a great student and encouraged me to apply for art school at Silvermine College of Arts. The college was holding interviews and all I had to do was make an appointment and bring my artwork. I was excited to find out that they didn’t need to know my S.A.T. scores. So I met with Dean Bob Gray and he liked my artwork. I became a student at the Silvermine College and received my Associate’s Degree from there. I went on to the Maryland Institute of Art where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree. I met several students from various backgrounds and different countries. I was fortunate for having great teachers and mentors along the way. Visiting artists were a big influence to me, as well. My college years helped greatly, keeping me out of the ‘real world’ and into the realm of creativity and free­ flowing ideas. After receiving my Masters Degree from the Art Institute of Chicago in 1977. I stayed in Chicago. I became ‘so-to-speak’ a “Chicago” artist, living in lofts, dreaming the dreams of becoming known and reaching for the stars. I was still quite naïve at the age of 30. Luckily, I kept my day job as a cleaning man. I worked hard during those years after graduate school and still do 28 years later. During those 28 years, I tried out for the Chicago White Sox...
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  Old Tree Trunk Sculpture Object
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Goddess Sculpture Head
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Steampunk figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Steampunk figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage figurative sculptures created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, copper and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Steampunk figurative sculptures made in a specific country, there are North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for figurative sculptures differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,500 and tops out at $2,800 while the average work can sell for $1,500.

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