Welcome back to our chat with Karianne Gottschalk, who was one of the ten contestants on Steampunk’d, from GSN, the Game Show Network. Steampunk’d is the first steampunk reality show to be broadcast on cable television.
Read part one here.
Read part two here.
Airship Ambassador: What were some challenges for you personally during the filming? (design, construction, being away from family, etc)
Karianne Gottschalk: The time we had to set up a design. That sucked. When they sent us off into designing our room, the judges came by in only an hour to see what we were going to do. I like taking time in preparation to my designs, so there it wasn’t just a piece… But an entire room, with several pieces, props, story.. Etc. IN ONLY ONE HOUR!! Sometimes we got lucky and we were given an hour and a half.
I was also having a hard time being away from my pirate(boyfriend) and friends when I was gone. Not just because I missed them terribly, but I admittedly needed their support. I have a hard time still on the anniversary of loosing my mother.. Not only was I there during that time but I was also there when her birthday passed both those events are only a few days apart. That shit pulls on my heart strings and I could’ve used a hug… Or a shot of whiskey
AA: When people watch Steampunk’d, what would you like for them to take away from the show and what was created that they could apply to their own work?
KG: Just remember we’re all makers. We all (well most) love steampunk and are a part of this community. It was our lives before and will continue to be a part of our lives here after. We all have something to offer, and if someone is inspired by our work and can’t tell how or why we did something, please ask!! We all Iove to hear your questions and would love to show you or teach you anything.
AA: How was it coming home and getting back to your regular schedule and life?
KG: Wonderful! Lol. I love my life, even though it’s not where I need it to be at the moment, I still love what I do everyday. I make steampunk art and teach leather classes. This is my life, what I did out there I do at home.. Without any of the drama that ensues when your on a reality TV show and I’m surrounded by an amazing collection of people.
I do miss the hell out of everyone there. Cast and crew! I wish I can take just about all of them home with me 🙂
AA: What suggestions do you have for people who are thinking of applying for a possible season 2?
KG: Have fun. It really is a ton of fun. The show focuses on the drama, but there was barely any of that. I made some life long friends and have met amazing people in and out of the show. And have learned a ton and have been more inspired than I ever was! We’re being ridiculed pretty hard in some places on the interwebs, but I don’t care. It was all worth it to meet the people I have grown to really care about and put me on the path I need to be.
AA: Now that the show has aired, what comes next for you?
KG: STEAMPUNK PIRATE SHIP TINY HOUSE!
Teaching people the things I know and making art for a living. This is the focus I want in life. I want to teach, grow, and inspire……. While permanently traveling in my little tiny house ^_^
AA: Looking beyond steampunk, what other interests fill your time?
KG: That’s it. Steampunk is a part of everything for me. For example, I’m an ice hockey goalie in a men’s league.. All my gear and jerseys are steampunk inspired hahaha.
I even have a steampunk belly dancing outfit. Everything else is focused on steampunk art.
AA: How do those interests influence your work?
KG: it’s a challenge sometimes to bring my hobbies into the world of steampunk.. I’m always up for a good challenge 😉
AA: There’s only so much time in a day – what interests don’t you have time for?
KG: I do everything I want to do. I figure out time and sacrifice other things when I want to learn something. I’m a very determined person. At the moment I’m learning how to fire breath and am making a fire whip.
AA: What other fandoms are you part of (as a fan or participant) ?
KG: I reallllly enjoy renaissance festivals ^_^
AA: Are there people you consider an inspiration, role model, or other motivating influence?
KG: Everyone. Just about every human has something to offer, you can learn from them, grow from them, they can sometimes show that you inspired them and in turn that is a huge inspiration for me.
AA: What event or situation has had the most positive impact in your life? What has been your greatest challenge?
KG: This is probably the hardest question I have ever been asked. I don’t know which event has the most positive impact. There have been so many that have been so important.. Yet another topic I could write a book on.
But my greatest challenge, definitely after mom passing away. A ton of stuff happened at that time, I lost my home, car, both jobs, couldn’t attend school..everything. I then gave up everything else I had. I had no passion in life. Hockey, art, steampunk, conventions, etc. it was my life and I had absolutely no drive to ever get it back. It took a lot of soul searching and positive inspirational people in my life to help me find my light again. These past two years have been a huge turn around. My life is back, I’m happy, and I have my art and my community back in my life. My art hasn’t made 100% comeback yet, but I’m getting pretty damn close!
AA: Any final thoughts to share with our readers?
KG: Keep creating, keep learning, go toward your passion, live for your passion, we have one life..NOW BE AWESOME AND LIVE THE SHIT OUT OF IT!
Great words to live by, in all that we do! Thanks, Karianne, for joining us in this interview and for sharing all of your thoughts. We look forward to hearing about your next projects!
Keep up to date with Karianne‘s latest work on her DeviantArt page.
Also, check out her exhibit page at The Steampunk Museum.
Airship Ambassador 