Art Donovan / Extraordinary Custom Lighting Design

Museum Exhibitions. What I Like and.....

 

As a freelance museum exhibition curator, my projects walk a fine line between Theme Exhibition and High Concept.

I don't prefer one approach over the other. I believe there's a sweet spot between the two exhibition concepts, both popular and academic, that not only serve the attending public better, but also flesh out a show's intensions in a fuller and richer way. This better serves the viewer, the subject matter and the museum.  Thematic exhibitions are fine for a casual afternoon out but they simply don't have the 'gravitas' that I attempt to effect in an exhibition. Theme exhibitions are all too easily dismissed as an "event" rather than a serious artistic exploration. Here the subject matter of a museum's "event" exists purely on an entertainment level (with lots of interactive devices) and doesn't  venture into the "mysterious" that high concept exhibitions strive for. It's that "mysterious" element of a show that I believe most intrigues a viewer but this mysterious quality must at all times be both intellectually and emotionally accessible- not obscure and esoteric.  The high concept should motivate the viewer to investigate the subject matter on the their own after they've been inspired by it.  The viewer knows instinctively that there is something deeper beneath the surface that they then research on their own and also return to the museum many times to gain deeper insight into the art and subject.

I've seen the public attend many 'high concept' shows at the MoMA, the Guggenheim and The Whitney and walk away puzzled and, for lack of a better word, un-engaged. The high concept show appears to be something that is intentionally designed to be over their heads. 'Esoteric' is the operative word for many of these exhibitions, that is, designed for the specially initiated alone (read: academicians). A high concept show then does not adequately serve the viewing public nor does it illuminate the subject matter or intention of the curator. As such,  a show that the general public is not inspired by then exists in opposition to the museum's mission statement.

Best Regards,

Art Donovan

donovandesign.com

2018. An entirely new and most ambitious exhibition

Coming off of his successful "Odd Beauty" exhibition, which was named the #1 art exhibition in the Hamptons, 2017,  Curator and artist  Art Donovan is creating his most ambitious exhibition to date.

 

This time around, and with the enthusiastic participation of eminent scientists, Donovan is exploring the mystery of 19th and early 20th century astronomy up to present day astronomical innovations.

 

There is an intrinsic beauty in the complex tools used by scientists to plumb the mysteries of our universe.  It is these instruments, both real and artistic interpretations, that will be featured to flesh out the broad and intriguing theme for the exhibition:  What parts of science fiction motivate scientists to devote their entire lives to the study of the cosmos?

 

To put it plainly, art inspires science.

 

Slated for Autumn of 2019, the show will have a most impressive venue, which will be held secret until the lat month before the opening.

 

 

 

© 2018 donovan design co

"ODD BEAUTY" The first museum exhibition of Steampunk art in New York!

"ODD BEAUTY"  THE TECHNO-ECCENTRIC WORLD OF STEAMPUNK

 

OPENING DATE: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23.

Southampton Arts Center 25 Jobs Lane Southampton, NY

Artist Reception/ 5 to 7pm

Continuous through November 12, 2017

'Flying Duck Boat' by Sam van Olffen

The Steampunk art + design exhibition of the year.

The Steampunk Art Exhibition of the Year!
Southampton Arts Center 25 Jobs Lane Southampton Village, New York
Sept 22 through Nov 12, 2017

Curated by Art Donovan

Bauhaus-Inspired Lighting Design by Art Donovan

 

It's not all about Steampunk and Industrial Lighting.design. 

 

My deep background in mid-century design is something that I carry throughout my design process. My First Love... Bauhaus!

 

All lamps here use ebonized white oak, walnut, maple, clear cedar and brass.

 

Strong Bauhaus influence in a classic mid-century color pallet of

black, white, ochre and gold.

 

Designed and hand made made by Art Donovan and all are available as seen or custom versions for contract applications.

 

For Purchasing: www.donovandesign.com

 

all images ©2017 donovan design co

 

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Cantilever Table Lamp

 

 

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Salon Table Lamp

 

 

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Parhelia Wall Light

 

 

The Hallows Beacon

The glowing, hand painted full moon is back painted onto the deep convex dome.

Stag head is cast in resin.

Marine grade mahogany plywood back plate shown here in a deep gray outdoor finish.

 

Available in any desired color/finish.

 

20" in diameter x 25" tall. 

 

Uses (2) 8 watt 3000k LED bulbs ( supplied)

 

Hanging suggestions are provided for your location along with the appropriate hardware.

 Contact:

www.donovandesign.com

 

NEW: For a Wine Cellar Commission, Science-Inspired Lighting Designs.

A

 


Futuristic 'Steampunk' Pendant Lamp

Inspired by The James Webb Space Telescope

designed + built by Art Donovan. Donovan Design. NY

This commission involved creating unusual lamp designs for a truly spectacular new wine cellar in historic River Hills, Wisconsin.

The owner is an enthusiastic connoisseur of wine, food, art, exotic time pieces, really fast cars and nurtures an abiding passion for science, technology and (yes!) Steampunk design. (Mark and his wife and partner, Sabina own a prestigious firm in Los Angeles and are the specialized, "Go To" resource couple when you're law firm is looking to enlist powerhouse, national and international attorneys).

Back to the lights: The lights were inspired by my visit to NASA:

Link here: http://www.danspapers.com/2017/04/12/an-unexpected-visit-to-nasas-james-webb-space-telescope/

These custom lights needed to provide an enormous (and fully adjustable) degree of perfectly color-balanced illumination. Multiple LED's in different color temperatures plus Ultra Violet bulbs were the solution. The pendant lamp shown here also needed to be particularly shallow in height to accommodate the 7' 6" lowered ceiling in the second room ( where the HVAC system is also placed.)

For design inspiration, I used the  "James Webb Space Telescope" (lifting off in 2018). The shape of the telescope's, layered sun shields and it's 18 hexagonal mirrors were translated here into a slim, rectangular body with corner lights and an illuminated central disk.

The body of the lamp is finished in hand-rubbed graphite and has a subtle metallic sheen in dark neutral gray.  The fins are matte black and the details are hand polished brass.

The Central control Panel features a "Magic Eye" illuminated by hidden ultra violet bulbs.  The 'Magic Eye' was a visual tuning device used in RCA radios built in the 1930's.  Vintage rotary dimmer knobs and toggle switches with indicator bulbs create fully adjustable lighting for all 12 interior bulbs- with the added bonus of being fun to operate and with a great tactile sensation.  The hidden LED Up-Lights wash the ceiling with bright, diffused ambient room light. The Central Disk creates a diffused down light and the Corner Spot Lights create bright task illumination.  All bulbs may be operated independently.

The bottom of the pendant has an engraved plaque and a gold leaf Elk, which is the owner's family crest.

CERN wall light

Custom Wall Light inspired by the Large Hadron Particle Collider at Cern.

The wall lamps for the wine cellar had to be equally unique and capable of throwing a great deal of light- in all directions.  Hidden LED Up-Lights, Down-Lights and Central ambient lights create a complex glowing lamp.

 

As all my designs,  it is entirely hand made and hand painted.  The central portion, inspired by  the L.H.P.C main collector is painted in a translucent, back-lit color that I call "Museum Blue"- a combination of many different color dyes that create a unique blend when illuminated from behind. Slabs of 1/2" glass project from both sides and are illuminated by the interior bulbs.

 

A decorative U.V. LED bulb projects forward.

 

Designed and entirely hand made by Art Donovan for Donovan Design NY

For information and custom capabilities,  contact: Art Donovan   donovandesign(at)optonline(dot)net

DonovanDesign.com

 

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Our website's updated and featuring a new look!

 

 

Our website design has been updated and now fully compatible for phone and tablets.

 Custom lighting and lamps for all residential and commercial/contract applications.

(Shown here: "The Caravan" Wall Lamp. 32" tall with 24" silk tassel. Entirely hand made in NY by Art Donovan)

 

Thanks for looking!

http://donovandesign.com

new paintings. winter/2015-2016

                                                                                                                          

 "Hello, Cubed" 2015

After spending 40 years as a full time, professional artist, I’ll be the first to admit that my early background and disciplines hold sway over everything I create- be it sculpture, lighting design and very recently, returning to painting.

My new series of paintings are influenced not only by my background as an illustrator/graphic designer, but also reflect the approach that I use for all of my other design work.

When I paint and design, I work only on the “X-Y” axis in my concept sketches.  Here, the rhythm and geometry of the silhouetted subject is “King”.  Thus, my paintings take on this two-dimensional quality even when they’re sculptural. Symmetry, balance and the interplay of negative and positive forms are the qualities that I regard as most important.

The surfaces of my paintings are dead matte and completely opaque. The meticulous application of my custom-made paints is rendered to appear as if they were mechanically silk screened graphics. The image series sometimes appear like "slices" of a three-dimensional objects as opposed to brush-painted illusions of reality.

The new collection is created as a Set of 4 each and there is a very compelling reason for this approach: Although it was once the exclusive domain of professional artists, designers and art directors, the recent "mood boards" and visual reference collections now featured on Pinterest, Instagram and Tumblr, etc, have turned everyone with a smart phone into discerning and savvy visual arts curators. These sites feature photography and art, not as singular pieces but rather surrounded by diverse, multiple images. Billions of images are now selected and regarded within this formatted presentation and because of the diversity of subjects and styles they have a collective and seductive energy. By presenting paintings of similar themes and styles, I believe the 'Set of Four' taps into that contemporary visual dynamic.

The Series:

Each Set-of-Four in my series are vastly different from each other and unique to themselves.  I don’t render permutations or variations on a theme. I create only one ‘set of four’ related images and move on to the next concept. Rendering hundreds of concept sketches, I distill the results into the strongest four images possible for each set.  The panels in the series are 22" square with an overall size of 50" x 50". 

I eschew heavy cropping and illusions of depth for the singular, centered image.

Primary colors,  black and white and bold color palettes, minimal / singular imagery, unique configurations for framing, matte/phosphorescent paints and silhouetted subjects on stark, flat backgrounds. The subjects of each panel are akin to simple portraits, in a manner of speaking.

Mediums:

Maple hardwood constructions painted with opaque, super-matte acrylics. 

Inspiration:

I am inspired by human accomplishment. My paintings are informed by history, global cultures, literature, antique and modern architecture and both vintage and contemporary science.

The Series begins on Instagram and may also be viewed on my site HERE

Thanks for looking.

Art Donovan
Southampton, NY
2015
 

 

 

New Lighting Designs

We're very proud to introduce our new line of hand made lighting.

 

You can view the collection here

 

 

Visit our site: donovandesign.com

The Sultan Jack. steampunk table lamp

Entirely hand made with an adjustable arm and rotary dimmer on the mahogany base. The metal arc or "quadrant" is inspired by a number of objects:  First, the Mariners' Quadrant used for nautical navigation, but is also used as a Masonic Emblem signifying a Past Master of a Masonic Lodge.  The post is inspired by 19th century industrial tools and equipment usually made of iron, but in this case- steel and mahogany.  Details, such as the customized bulb socket and handmade adjustment wheel, lend to the unique configuration.

Steampunk "Moderne" Desk Clock

 

Designed and built by Art Donovan,  This desk clock features antique industrial elements along with a paired down, art deco sensibilty.  Made of stained mahogany, brass and plain steel, the clock has custom made brass hands:

The Hour Hand represents an eclipsed Sun and the Minute Hand, a smaller Full Moon.

Featured at Asia's first Steampunk Museum Exhibition/ The Hangaram Design Museum- March, 2014 through May, 2014.

The Astronomer's Lamp

 

Designed and hand made by Art Donovan.  Brass, Frosted Glass, Hand painted, polycarbonate Moon. The Twin Disks suggest a Saturn-Like effect.

A perfect addition to library desk or academician's study.

"Steampunk Weather Station" Steampunk Lamp

Steampunk Weather Station.  Three points of incandescent light with three weather gauges.  Solid brass, mahogany, bronze, glass with a modded globe bulb and bronze mesh.  Designed and handmade by Art Donovan

 

new logo for donovan design

 

In the full time business of design for 38 years- all in- it becomes necessary to update or change the company logo every now and again.  Sometimes the design can be "evolutionary"-keeping the original elements and gently altering the proportions so that the logo looks fresher but is still identifiable as the original.  Other times the logo can be "revolutionary"- a complete redesign from top to bottom. 

Our newest logo is evolutionary: 

TYPEFACE: Extended Copperplate Light typeface changed to Extended Futura Light.  The wide kerning and striking out the horizontal stroke in the "A" has been kept .

MARK:  Our original Logo Mark (called a "bug" in graphic design) for years was a small, square B/W line drawing of a Mandala form. Actually it was taken from a photograph of our Outdoor Mandala and shopped into a line drawing. I have since replaced it with a simpler crescent moon, the size of which changes to larger or smaller depending on the application. On our website the moon is smaller and in B/W.  Seen Here:  www.donovandesign.com

"The Raven's Chamber". By Art Donovan. A Sculptural Steampunk Device.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since "The Raven's Chamber" was a custom commission, I had the opportunity to include many details and secrets into the design just for the client's eyes only.  

Many sources of inspiration here- from gothic to antique astronomy.

Made of solid mahogany, polar and walnut, glass, iron, plaster, polycarbonate, steel and brass. 

Designed and hand made, top to bottom,  by Art Donovan for Donovan Design, Southampton NY 

Featured on BoingBoing

donovandesign.com

 

 

Steampunk art erupts in Seoul, South Korea

It is my greatest honor to be the exhibition supervisor for Asia's very first museum showing of Steampunk art and design.  The exhibition titled, "Steampunk. The Art of Victorian Futurism" opened to national fanfare at the Hangaram Design Museum in Seoul's massive cultural complex called the Seoul Art Center IDA on March 9, 2014.  The artists are featured in 8 joined galleries in the museum.

 How big is this place?  Think Lincoln Center combined with MoMA and the Met Opera.

The Artists in the show hail from Canada, The U.S., Hong Kong, South Korea, Russia, China, Australia, Japan, The Netherlands, Greece, Italy and France.

 

Since there are over 130 works from 30 global artists in the show, the pics below represent only a very small sample from this comprehensive and most ambitious exhibition.

 

With Special Thanks to the Museum's Exhibition Director, Mr. Frank Yoo, liaison and translator for his tireless and invaluable aid.

The Artists (in formation)

Anne Pedro

Art Donovan

James Ng

Jason Brammer

Jin Su Han

Jos DeVink

Kazuhiko Nakamura

Krista Brennan

Martin Horspool

Sam Van Olffen

Thomas D. Willeford

Yasuhito Udagawa

Benja Harney

Hye Myeong Song

Individual DesignLab

John Coulthart

Park Jong Deok

Stephane Halleux

Pulsar Project- Chris Coftis

Riccardo Sabatini

Sergey Petrov

Takorasu Studio

Tom Banwell

602 Creative Lab

Amida

Dong A. Lim

Hak Jin Kim

Kimberly Hart

Korea Brass

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 I'll be posting many pictures of all of the works in the show soon on my Flickr page

Meanwhile a nice video from ARIRANG TV, Asia's largest English speaking TV network here:

ARIRANG TV. Asia

 

For an impressive view of this massive cultural complex click here and scroll down the page.

www.donovandesign.com

donovandesign.com

Teslagraff by Art Donovan. Pendant Device

 

Teslagraff by Art Donovan. Pendant Device

Teslagraff by Art Donovan. Table Lamp

 

 

 

Teslagraff by Art Donovan. Pendant Devices

 

 

Why Steampunk and why now?

The past thirty-odd years of the decorative and industrial arts have seen a tyranny of modernism. During these years there was scant interest in classical, ornate design elements. This contemporary minimalism, identified by the overused mantra of "clean, crisp design", had reigned unchallenged and nary an antique decorative flourish or hand-wrought detail could be found (effectively ignoring over two centuries of profoundly important design history)".

"Then Steampunk came along and expanded the scope of what is considered 'modern' design. Finally there was the freedom to not only include but celebrate handcrafted elements that took their inspiration from the 19th century arts and industrial crafts.  This is a genre that promotes the blessed freedom to create without the aesthetic restrictions of the 'less is more' philosophy".

"It's important to know that Steampunk is neither a simple nostalgia nor a trip down Retro Lane. Running parallel and heavily informed by the current Maker movement, Steampunk strives to embrace modern technology, craft and art as it cherishes the evidence, not the obliteration, of the creative human hand".

 Art Donovan,  Bookish Interview.  Nov 2013

 

Tesla Wall Lamp

One of the most popular lamps in our Steampunk line of hand made lighting.  Black, Brass and Glass. 14" tall x 8" wide x 10" deep.  Subtle details with a jewelry-like presentation.  Uses any bulb up to 75 watts, but shown here with a tubular, spiral filament incandescent bulb (our preference).

Vire our entire collection here:  donovandesign.com

Siddhartha Pod Lantern

The Siddhartha Pod Lantern.  My very first Steampunk work. Early 2007.  Featured in the world's first Steampunk Exhibition held at The Museum of the History of Science, the University of Oxford, 2009-2010.  Solid, hand carved mahogany, solid brass and illuminated throughout.  Hand painted gold leaf scroll work embellishments.  A moon phase clock with a hand engraved face in the lower center of the design. 54" tall x 24" wide. 

Sun+Moon Table Lamp. Minimalism+Science

The Sun+ Moon Table lamp features an ultra thin, wire body in matte black steel.

A single, satin brass ring around the globe bulb reflects the light and appears to glow.

Balanced on the opposite end by a crescent moon in brass.

Evocative of the astronomical sciences in a completely un-ornate design.

Designed  and hand made by Art Donovan.

 

 

 

Steampunk Scholar, Mike Perschon, reviews, "The Art of Steampunk- Second Edition"

My Thanks to author, Mr. Mike Perschon for a wonderful review of my book!  Link Here:

 

Cover Artwork by Sam VanOlffen

 

Our new site is live.

 
                                                          donovandesign.com

'Modern Gothic' table lamp

 

Twin, frameless shades.  Hand made and hand painted in deep transluscent indigo,  The arms are adjustable. A slender, minimalist post in graduated diameters.  Matte black with brass details.  A dramatic silhouette. www.donovandesign.com

Escargot Table Lamp

 

Solid, hand carved maple.  The lampshade has a hand made maple and brass frame with hand painted spun filament in deep honey. Buddha hand has a hand made rosette in matte black and a miniature bulb.  Touch dimmer. Bright, solid brass details. 24" tall x 27" wide

The Lockheed Martin / D Wave Quantum Computer. Remarkably Steampunk! ...

Top image:  The Lockheed Martin / D Waves' new Quantum Computer

Bottom Left:  My Siddhartha Pod Steampunk Pendant.

Bottom Right:  My Ravi Palace Evolutionary Steampunk Pendant.

Top link is from the New York Times 3/22/13

 

Caravan II. Wall Lamp

 

 

 

A tapered, spun filament lampshade.  Brass and matte black.  7.5" wide x 13" tall x 6" deep.  An electric candle bulb can be substituted for dramatic effect. A mahogany stained wall plate may also be specified. May be hung as a pin up lamp or hard wired. Designed and hand made by Art Donovan

"Why Steampunk. And Why Now?"

"Instead of curlicues and scroll work over metal to conceal the inner workings of things, Steampunk delivers the opposite effect. In short, it is a full blown design exfoliation."

"But why now?  Has contemporary modernism, which is so downright sterile in it's lack of ornamentation, run it's course?"

"Perhaps the answer lies in a restlessness and a desire for a messy vitality which allows the imagination to soar."

                        Written by Author & Architect, Anne Surchin, Pres./ AIA, 2008

(This title and excerpt is taken from the gallery journal for the world's very first steampunk design exhibition: "Steampunk. The new genre of art and design", It was held in Bridgehampton, NY., August, 2008. Among the artists included were Datamancer, Eric Freitas, Jake Von Slatt, Susan Rachael Forbes, Crab Fu, Jos DeVink, and Bethany Peters.

The event was created and curated by Art Donovan. The museography and design was created by Leslie Tarbell Donovan of Staging Places, Southampton. 

All material © 2007-2008  Donovan Design Co.

The Raj. Illuminated Wall Clock

The Raj. Designed and built by Art Donovan for Donovan Design. Ogee edges on both disks.  Hand brushed in 8 layers of low satin stain- a deep brown-black in color. The lamp face has concentric rings of varing depths carved into it's surface. The light of the shielded bulb catches the edges of the circles. The steel clockface is finished in a matte, zinc gray with hand-made clock hands in electric blue and a gold leaf star on the sweep second hand. Weathered brass and satin brass details.  60 watt globe.

"Couchette II" pin up wall light

 

Couchette II  Wall Lamp.  Not Steampunk.  But only a portion of my designs are in the Steampunk style.  This is a Pin Up Wall Light.  That is, no need for hard wiring it into an electrical box.  It simply hangs on the wall with a small picture hook or wall screw.  There is a micro On/Off toggle switch on the wall plate for convenience. Hand carved solid maple and brass details. May also be hardwired and done in custom colors,  if desired.  Designed and hand made by Art Donovan

"Mephistopheles" table lamp.

 

"Mephistopheles".  The globe appears to float, illuminated by an MR-16 bulb hidden in the base.  Solid steel. Heavy natural patina on antique base.  Designed and built by Art Donovan for Donovan Design

'Sage Marine'. table lamp.

 

Unlacquered, acid-washed solid brass, tempered glass and solid mahogany.  25" tall x 13.5" diam.  The materials were selected for their very durable properties in high salt air and marine applications, such as yachts and staterooms. A full rotary dimmer located on the base and although the lamp would work in any residential or comercial location, it may be post-mounted for permanent, unmovable boat installation. Designed and Hand made by Art Donovan. You can view our collection of hand made, marine grade lamps here.

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The Grand Master. Steampunk-Inspired Pendant Device

 

 

 My most complex piece to date. 

Featured Sculpture  at the National Watch + Clock Museum

A Commissioned Sculpture for a restored, mid-1700's Barn in Sag Harbor, NY.

The Grand Master is 6' tall x 5' wide and features an illuminated,  double-sided center disk.  Over three months to design, build and paint.  Oversized, hand machined brass bolts. Solid Mahogany body. 

*A Moon Phase Clock is located in the center and is back-lit with hand painted phases of the Moon.

*Five, 48" diameter, horizontal rings encircle the disk. 

*The Crown Unit features moving, gas flame bulbs along with hidden up-lights to wash the ceiling with light.  The amber glass plates are illuminted from within the crown. 

*The custom Ceiling Medallion (not shown) houses CFL and LED bulbs with a 400 watt equivalent.  The light washes the 23' high ceiling and provides full ambient illumination for the Main Room of the barn.  This allows the lights in the unit to be dimmed to a more artistic and lower level.

*The two clockworks on the right are calibrated in special increments: 

(Top)  The time it takes the light from the Moon to reach the Earth in seconds. Avg. 1.25 seconds.

(Bottom)  The time it takes the light from the Sun to reach the Earth in minutes.  Avg. 8.3 minutes

*The swinging brass pendulum is back lit with a U.V. bulb.

*On the reverse side is a hand painted, Full Moon rendered in translucent dyes, while the craters are hand carved into the fiberglass surface.  It was inspired by a digitally enhanced Nasa image- hence the exagerated details and color profile.

*Twin 42" diameter, Polycarbonate Convex Lenses cover both the front and back faces to suggest the crystal of a time piece.

*The industrial-styled gimbal and round bezel are painted in matte, zinc gray with the crown in matte black.

Designed and entirely hand made by Art Donovan for Donovan Design, Southampton, NY

 

The Watchman. Illuminated Steampunk Wall Device

 

The Watchman.  Heavy faux rust finish with darkened brass details and working gauges.  A rococo base re-imagined as an antique indutrial device.  60" tall.  Designed and hand made by Art Donovan/ Donovan Design

"The Art of Steampunk" by Art Donovan. Second Edition.

 

                                                                                                 

I am very happy to announce that the second edition of my book, "The Art of Steampunk" (Fox Chapel Publishing) will be available this May.  Expanding on the original artists featured in the historic Oxford Steampunk Museum exhibition,  this edition illustrates  the wide, creative influences of this wonderful genre. These new artists represent Steampunk in the most dramatic, creative and sophisticated manner. (Cover Art by Sam VanOlffen-     Wait till you see!

Steampunk predicted to be biggest trend of 2013 (via IBM)

This is certainly not news to those of us who have been working in the genre since it's begining but it is surprising to see, nontheless.

Steampunk hits in 2013- Via Forbes Magazine.

"Electro Futurism"

The new title for my art and design

A nice BBC Museum Interview Here

The 221B (Gas Flame) Steampunk Lantern

 

The 221B Gas Flame Lantern.  Of course it's an electric bulb (on top)  that moves and vibrates like an authentic gas flame.  Named after that famous address that all Steampunks recognize,  it's a classic Donovan design in brass, warm gray and black.  Designed and handmade by Art Donovan.

A quick vid of the bulb is here.

"The Ravi Palace" Steampunk Pendant Device by Art Donovan

 

The "Ravi Palace".  7 ft. tall x 2 ft. wide.  An evolutionary Steampunk design where shape trumps ornament. Inspired by the design on spider silk tapestry! By Art Donovan.  Read the full story of this work here.

 

 

Influenced by antiquity

 Most Excellent Rumi Redux

 

"The Art of Steampunk" is in the Top Ten!

After spending 13 weeks as number one in the art book section of Amazon, I am happy to report that my book, "The Art of Steampunk"  is in the Top Ten Steampunk Books of 2011! 

Multiculturalism in Steampunk Art

Brandon Herman just posted this video, shot at my book signing and talk in New York City during the Steampunk Meet-Up last Tuesday.  Thanks, Brandon!  :)

Also....a new article / interview about my Steampunk lighting design by Linda Longo in enLIGHTenment magazine!

More Notes from a Steampunk Curator...

Steampunk is a grand theater, referencing the past through modern eyes.

Herein, essays describing the uniqueness of this bougeoning genre of art and design.

Essays and thoughts from Curator and Artist, Art Donovan.

Featured in the posts below are my works in Steampunk Art.