For your consideration as the 2011 Muse of the Fair, we present O.M Grey, Katie Kat, Knight Redfield and Ember Lark. You may cast your vote for this years Muse of the Fair in the sidebar Ballot Box to the right.
~ O.M. Grey ~
1. How do you feel you inspire people?
On her blog, Olivia writes openly about relationships and the importance of true intimacy among lovers, alternative lifestyles, and dealing with heartbreak. By writing about the essence of love and desire, she connects with readers and helps them feel validated in their feelings and experiences, without judgment. So often, people fear openness and intimacy, but it is in embracing these that one finds true security and happiness. Just yesterday, a reader emailed her personally seeking out relationship advice.
2. Please describe any creative pursuits you have:
O. M. Grey has penned two Steampunk romance novels, several short stories, and even some angsty poetry. She opens her heart onto the page, and readers respond.
3. What is unique about you?
Olivia is impeccably honest, almost to a fault. She prides herself in maintaining a high level of integrity in both professional and personal relationships.
~ Katie Kat ~
1. How do you feel you inspire people?
I hope that, through my passion for my own artform, people can be inspired to pursue their own passions with renewed fervor. I have been witness to voices with otherworldly effect on people; the ability to empathize, and give musical form to emotion words alone cannot express. I can only hope I might be able to bring that experience to others.
2. Please describe any creative pursuits you have.
I am a person who makes things happen. I built Audrey II puppets for the musical Little Shop of Horrors. I took a 4 month course in stage magic with Dr. Larry Haas and worked with Teller of Penn and Teller. My singing voice is an artistic, scientific and intellectual project. I study anatomy, acoustics, philosophy, performance practice, and aesthetics. I sing in Italian, German, French, Czech and English, with painstaking translations and interpretations so my audience will understand the stories of the music. I write my own backing tracks from public domain scores in Finale and Reason 5, I make my own costumes and jewelry. I sketch and do my own graphic design. I’m also a teacher of voice, and a Martial Artist.
3. What is unique about you?
No matter what, I will never stop creating. It is what I am; not just what I do. Also… I’m a vampire. No Really.
October 12th 2004 I died in the ER. I had bled to death internally from a ruptured cyst. Thanks to the drugs in the IV my body pushed through. I was not allowed to sleep the first night, for fear I would not wake up again. Normal hemoglobin should be around 15. I was at 3. Over the next few days I had two blood transfusions. I was bed bound for 3 months. As soon as I could move, I began researching, singing, and got up and went to Italy to study opera. I had a lesson with one of Maria Callas’ voice teachers. I celebrate oct. 13th as my rebirthday.
SO, bled to death, blood was replaced, I live. Hence I am a vampire. Not even death can keep me from my art.
~ Knight Redfield ~
1. How do you feel you inspire people?
I try in all the pieces I create to get people to look at Steampunk from a different perspective. By trying to maintain the overall esthetic, while also pushing my fashion pieces in directions that aren’t traditionally considered “Steampunk”, I hope that I can inspire others to push beyond the bounds of what they think is part of the culture.
2. Please describe any creative pursuits you have.
I try and dabble in many fields, though I am mostly known for my clothing and fashion work. My pursuits vary, from sculpture to writing and welding, and I’m always looking to expand my creative side. I also work in Theatre, in the costuming and props shops for a variety of productions. When sharing my work, I do my best to encourage others to make and share their work with others.
3. What is unique about you?
In my work I try to question things that are considered mainstream in Steampunk. In my fashion designs I look at line, fabric and fit to convey my view of Steampunk. I try to accomplish this without using the traditional aspects like brown coloring, gears and goggles, though for some pieces it is unavoidable.
~ Ember Lark ~
