My Favorite Things – The Maker Movement

by Dr Brassy Steamington

In a commerce that  has adopted “Intentionally Disposable” goods and “Planned Obsolescence” tech, the Maker Movement is pushing back in revolutionary ways.

Maker’s seem to have the earth’s and humanity’s best interests at heart when you take the time to investigate the people under the top hat.

For all the communities I have been honored to be a part of, the Steampunk Community is -hands down- the one that most embodies the ethics that are the best that humankind has to offer. Kindness, patience, tolerance, generosity, education, diversity, intelligence, innovation and compassion…these are all consistent virtues of the Maker Movement. Add to all that, raw talent, and you have some seriously interesting people.

Makers are pushing back against the mass produced, factory goods that are destined from origin to end up in a landfill (as quickly as possible). Conversely, Makers are fabricating both functional and decorative items to last a lifetime, or two, or three. Makers have embraced the use of natural materials- metal, glass, wood and marble, that will last and be passed down generation to generation.

The foundation of the Steampunk movement is rich in history and the retelling of the world’s greatest Inventor’s life stories. It is also generous with the protection and promotion of old world handcraft vocations. It’s clear to us Makers that we must harvest the last vestiges of these priceless trade skills and pass them on generationally before it’s too late.

The legacy of the Great-Grandfather who was a blacksmith, followed by the Father and then Son, who continued the trade, has been abandoned by the mainstream. We are committed to the resurgence and protection of talent inheritance that was historically shared hand to hand, and by word of mouth.

For someone like me who loves everything about the Maker Lifestyle, it’s impossible to pin down my one favorite thing when I look at how rich and vibrant the World of Makers/Steampunk is. So I will say this, my favorite thing in Steampunk is that there is a place for me, as a woman, a disabled person, a Senior and a Maker.  I am forever grateful and honored to be part of this revolution.

 

Dr Brassy Steamington

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