Fellow steampunk fan loves his new Artsmith Craftworks airship
08 Jun
I got an email from a man named Don yesterday, who had purchased one of my airships in The Artisan’s Bench in downtown Brighton, Michigan. (I’ve mentioned them before). Don’s email was very complimentary and I’ve included it with permission below, along with the picture of the airship that he took of it hanging in his creative space. Thanks Don!
“Hi, Stephan: My wife and I were in Brighton yesterday and stopped in to The Artisans Bench. Saw your zeppelin’s and balloons and it was all over. I collect old clockwork toys (planes, tanks, submarines, armored cars), cannon models, dogs, dinosaurs, minerals, and on and on – a regular cabinet of curiosities. Your airships are a perfect match – handmade, vintage vibe, mechanical mojo.
At one time I did a lot of pen and ink drawing (way back in the 80’s). Among the usual sword and sorcery stuff I liked creating fantastic machines. One of my favorite drawings is a man ‘o war hanging under a big zeppelin! Buying your airship might just motivate me to get that one framed so they can hang together. Until then, I’ve got it in the computer room, hanging next to a working steam power motorcycle (I made the hangers from ladder chain and some old erector set pieces).
I’ve attached a picture of your airship in it’s new home. Thanks so much for making these masterpieces.”
Don
Don’s airship in its new home
When I asked Don if I could post his email and photo, he went on to say:
“The very nice people at the Artisan’s Bench told me about your blog and web site and I read them when I got home – really great stuff. I haven’t seen work as well done as yours since I discovered the crabfu website (I think he’s an engineer or something, but he takes radio controlled cars and trucks and turns them into steampunk steam powered insect-like tanks – even a fully articulated steam powered centipede crawler).
I like the repurposed nature of your work, at first glance your pieces look all hand cast – then you start to recognize the forms within – very cool. I collect all the old toy parts I can find – then when building or repairing or setting up dioramas they all come into play.
Keep up the good work.”
Don
Thanks for the compliments, Don!
Stephan J. Smith is the artist and sculptor at Artsmith Craftworks in Swartz Creek, MI. Using recycled and re-purposed materials, Stephan builds a myriad of sculpted wonders, including fantastic and whimsical steampunk airships that have amazed and delighted fans for years. A passion for reusing and up-cycling found items into beautiful and amazing art is what drives Stephan to make art that both teaches and inspires. Stephan also does commissioned work and is available to do talks and classes on re-purposing/up-cycling and may be reached at ArtSmithCraft@yahoo.com or at 810-516-7381.