23 replies to this topic

[Junkman]

Came across it while surfing for something entirely different.










There is a display base in form of a model of a steam organ, and the Mercury is used to power it:







Has anyone seen this before, or knows who the builder is?

[RancheroSteve]

Yes, truly remarkable! That was built by "Hollywood" Jim Fernandez a couple of years back. He posted extensive in-progress photos and info on "that other board".

[RancheroSteve]

His Fotki albums are here: http://public.fotki.com/shrimpee/

[MachinistMark]

that....looks ridiculous.

[Jantrix]

Mark, if you had seen the amount of wonderful scratchbuilding, inventive painting/weathering techniques, and general cleverness that went into it, you wouldn't think so. Let me see if I can find the build thread.

EDIT: Yep, here is the build thread for "Bad Penny". Stanley and Vern are some serious craftsmen. Enjoy.
http://s13.zetaboard...opic/6516920/1/

Edited by Jantrix, 24 August 2012 - 11:16 AM.

[Harry P.]

that....looks ridiculous.

It's an art genre. Take it for what it is, he's not pretending for one second that it's supposed to be a "realistic" model.

[Dr. Cranky]

Harry is totally correct. Hollywood Jim knows exactly what he is doing.

[Ben]

I think it looks cool! Capt. Nemo would be proud!

[Fat Brian]

What an inspired build, not only do the mechanical details appear plausable, the styling has a very cool art deco feel.

[Harry P.]

Steampunk isn't everyone's cup of tea, but you have to admire the craftsmanship and skill that went into it. Like Rob mentioned, there's a lot of expertise on display in that work.

[Casey]

It's an art genre. Take it for what it is, he's not pretending for one second that it's supposed to be a "realistic" model.

Isn't the point of steampunk to backdate or make something new (or post Steam Era) look like it was from or could have existed during the Steam Era? There has to be some element of realism to make it believable and fit the time period/genre it's supposed to.

Imagination is important, but you also have to look at the completed model as a whole and come to your own conclusions. The very fact that anything of this genre is based on what never was allows it some leeway, but just being labelled or classified as "steampunk" doesn't give it a pass when it comes to criticism and opinions.

I would agree 100% that it is art, but it it good art? Let the debate continue.

[Junkman]

I think there aren't many people on this forum academically qualified enough to be able to determine whether something is art or not, and if it is, whether it is good art or not.

But I recognise outstanding modelling skills when I see them.

[Lunajammer]

As Rob's link and Wikipedia says, "Steampunk is a subgenre of fantasy and speculative fiction." I think this is brilliant! I tried building a steampunk gun and it's harder than you think because your "stuff" has to look like it has a functioning purpose so you end up uber thinking everything if you want it be believable; scientifically, compositionally, artistically and fancifully. Sort of a crazy industrial art.

[george 53]

WEll, I don't care for the subject, but the modeling skills that built it are ABOVE the norm. Whatever turns you on, as they say, and this Steampunk stuff OBVIOUSLY turns this gentleman on.While it certainly is NOT my cup of tea at all, the workmanship in it is undeniable! But then that IS why we build, isn't it? To ENJOY the ENJOYMENT of building!

[Harry P.]

I would agree 100% that it is art, but it it good art? Let the debate continue.

There is no such thing as "good" or "bad" art. Art is defined differently by everyone; my idea of good art might be at complete odds with your definition of what good art is, and vice versa.

The argument of what is or isn't "good" art is a useless argument because there is no answer. Like I said earlier... Jim's work is what it is, and you either like it or you don't. There's no "right" answer and there's no justifying one's viewpoint, any more than a person could justify that their favorite color is the "best" color or their favorite music is the "best" music.

[sak]

Pretty badass!

[Agent G]

That is just freakin' sweet.

G

[martinfan5]

Yes, truly remarkable! That was built by "Hollywood" Jim Fernandez a couple of years back. He posted extensive in-progress photos and info on "that other board".

Hollywood Jim is member of the model club that I am member at, and Septembers club meeting is at his house, so I am sure I might get to see this build there if he still has it.

When he brings builds for the monthly club theme, its a pretty sure bet that is going to take first place, he really is a very creative builder

Edited by martinfan5, 24 August 2012 - 03:34 PM.

[Austin T]

I have seen some of his work before and the second I saw this I knew it was his work.Anyone else notice Nemo's car from "League of extraordinary gentlemen" in there?

[RancheroSteve]

I think there aren't many people on this forum academically qualified enough to be able to determine whether something is art or not, and if it is, whether it is good art or not.

But I recognise outstanding modelling skills when I see them.

Not to toot my own horn, but I do have a degree in art, as well as many years of experience in making and looking at art. But I don't use that as a license to go around making pronouncements about what is or isn't art, or whether it's good or bad. Calling something "Art" is just a label, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If it moves you and excites you, it's doing something right as far as I'm concerned. As it so happens, I'm an admirer of Hollywood Jim's workmanship, creativity and ability to bring his vision into reality.