The Ladies of Steampunk Calendar was officially released for sale on Wednesday evening, October 24th, 2012. In a venue that seemed built for the occasion, creators Sean Makiney and Sean McCaffrey were joined by an enthusiastic crowd for an evening to remember. And not just because the Giants won.
The Seans (aka Sean McCaffrey, at left, and Sean Makiney, at right).
Those attending? Friends, local Steampunks, calendar models, contributing artists and makers, and the occasional wayward bar patron who happened into the back room of the Pour House. It was an evening to remember, indeed.
From humble beginnings
Some brief background. The calender started off as simply that, but “The Seans” quickly learned that their effort not only had but also called for greater potential to be considered. In short order, the calendar project was expanded to include a full fledged magazine, with pictorials, interviews, and art reviews.
Working with POD service MagCloud, the first issue was available for purchase at the calendar release event. A major bonus for the magazine was a recent collaboration with none other than Steampunk Couture model Kato, who was the cover model for the inaugural issue.
The Ladies of Steampunk creators hope to expand upon their success and to reach out to the wider community. For next year’s calendar, some ideas are brewing to include references to contemporary popular culture. This in addition to a continued homage to the retrofuturism we all know and love.
A collective effort
For the calendar and magazine photo shoots, the Seans M. teamed up with a crew of designers, photographers, and artists to produce as professional a spread of images as could be imagined. It was a privilege to see the wares used in the shoots close up, and an undeniable pleasure to speak with the makers themselves.
Trevor Tarin (r) and Raedar (l) of Steampunk Hatter. Skillful milliner and haberdasher, and delightful company.
Jan. 2014′s model wearing Steampunk Hatter’s “Rivet Brown” stovepipe.
Trevor Tarin and Raedar of Steampunk Hatter made the 180-mile trek from their home in Santa Cruz to be at the Ladies of Steampunk release party. They came fully garbed, as did most all of the guests in attendance. Atop their outfits, of course, were two of their exquisite creations.
Also at the event, though not in person, was the incomparable Dr. Brassy Steamington, whose finely crafted jewelry decorates The Great Tyrant (July 2013), a nod to the campy classic Barbarella.
The sheer number and quality of the different makers and persons involved in the Ladies of Steampunk effort speaks volumes about both the commitment and professionalism of the creators. To paraphrase a certain tragic figure, one does not simply walk into Steampunk and ask favors. Sean McCaffrey and Sean Makiney have assembled a solid network of support and collaboration around them. And any artist will tell you that is something that can only be had by expending blood, sweat, and tears for the art.
A night of joy and jolly
C
alendar cover model, Mia Moore, was on hand to autograph calendars, magazines, posters, and the collectible cards on offer. Designer cupcakes were provided gratis on a Steampunk-inspired display. And members of the Sacramento Steampunk Society and League of Proper Villains were in attendance, lending yet another pleasant layer to the evening. There’s just nothing better than sitting down over a fine pint or a glass of absinthe to chat with fellow Steampunks. To learn about their history, what brought them to the community. And what keeps them here (other than that second glass of the green stuff).
Prof. Lazlo E. Cogsbottom of the Sacramento Steampunk Society and League of Proper Villains
Professor Lazlo E. Cogsbottom and I discoursed for some time on the wonders and charms of our respective family histories. I was only disappointed by my having to depart for parental endeavors just as the evening was growing more lively. As Trevor and Raedar both said to me, and as my conversation with the good professor did prove, it’s the people you meet that makes these things such a joy.
Many thanks to all involved in the Ladies of Steampunk Calendar and Magazine launch. Doctor Fantastique’s wishes you the very best for the future.
