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SinistrosePhosphate — Pygmalion
Published: 2009-02-04 03:59:21 +0000 UTC; Views: 2509; Favourites: 69; Downloads: 30
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Description
First things first: This is done as a "Kiriban 2222" request by ~Nanidesuka . "Something Steampunk-related" was the request. Let's hope this fulfills it.Now, back to your regularly-scheduled programming:
I like Steampunk; really, I do. But then again, I'm also a student of the Greco-Roman myths. Wedding the two gives birth to this piece. Pygmalion was a sculptor from Cyprus who had sworn off all women, considering them unclean and shameless. However, Pygmalion fell in love with his own ivory sculpture and suffered the pangs of love no other mortals had to feel. "Unrequited love" has never sounded so accurate.
The Pygmalion myth had been used in several different instances throughout the Western literature ever since Ovid penned it down in his Metamorphoses. This is just another iteration in an era that never was and a time that never had been.
Pencil and paper, enhanced in Photoshop 7.0.
Brushes property of Aethereality.com.
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Comments: 96
Thank you so very much for your kind words! 
I think Coppelia took inspiration from Pygmalion, too. (So did "My Fair Lady" and the play it originally came from.) But apparently people like to tell me that it takes more inspiration from Herr Drosselmeyer from The Nutcracker and Hoffman the Magician from Tales of Hoffman... 
I guess the most steampunk version has to be Abney Park's "Herr Drosselmeyer's doll". (At least, that what I was listening to when I did this one...)
But you are absolutely right, this is a total missed opportunity! 
Thanks for coming up and leaving a comment.
And thanks for adding my work to your list of favourites!
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Yes, I know 'My Fair Lady' came from 'Pygmalion', but I think that 'Coppelia' is more complicated in terms of origins. Technically, I believe it comes from a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, called 'The Sandman', which is actually quite a horrifying story, and is one of the stories in the opera 'The Tales of Hoffmann', which is my favourite opera. (By which I mean it is one of the only operas I actively enjoy instead of tolerating, as opera isn't my thing.) But any information you have is really interesting to me, as I am doing a lot of research on ballet for something I'm writing, and it's quite a rabbit hole. (Even if it's not about ballet, I'm always up to learn new things.)
Hmmm, I haven't heard of the Abney Park one. I must look it up.
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Glad to hear from you!
I didn't know you were actually doing research on the ballet! Well, now... that explains a few things, indeed. Opera... well, I can't sit through a whole opera myself, but I love the separate arias quite a bit myself. And Tales of Hoffman had a few very nice ones. The Germanic operas tend to be long and more epic than the Italian ones anyway. So I have to approve of your taste! Coppelia did come from a more complicated origin than just Pygmalion, in fact, a lot of people probably wouldn't credit the Pygmalion myth as an inspiration. I would, personally. But that's me... most likely a little biased. 
Good luck with the "something" you are writing!
Doing research can really be a rabbit hole. I once did research on both theosophy AND opera for a NaNo novel. It was... an interesting experience...
Here's a live performance of Herr Drosselmeyer's Doll: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcV7AF…
See if you get the same vibes I did! 
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Thanks for the link. It was really something. I think I have a new band to explore now! I do love the presentation and song, and I definitely get those vibes.
Yes, indeed, opera arias can be incredible. I just don't go for the operas in full, (much like you.) The ones I can watch are 'Tales of Hoffmann', 'Carmen', and to a certain extent 'The Magic Flute'. But I love a few arias.
Hmmm, Theosophy AND opera is quite a combination. Is the novel up in your gallery?
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You are more than welcome! I am glad you liked it!
I loved the band. It was the first "Steampunk band" I knew of and I still like them. I hope you'll like them too!
I think it's way too much to sit through an opera in full. I just can't handle that much... information all at the same time.
Yes! It's actually in my stash and you can find it here: sta.sh/29b8kckb9zn
It's actually a period murder mystery that was based off of a story that was recounted by Madame Blavastky, the Mother of Theosophy. She recounted of a "Cursed aria" in a Halevy opera that killed people whenever the baritone lead looked at a person during this aria. And she wrote that the only way the opera kept playing was because she helped to break the curse. It certainly made for interesting reading when I was doing research, that's for sure!
If you do end up reading this novel, please let me know what you think of it. I really, really appreciate it!
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I feel very honoured to have been given the link to your stash! I'll definitely let you know what I think when I read it. I will warn you I'm a bit slow right now, but I'm very interested indeed, and will get back to you as soon as I do. It's certainly based on an intriguing tale!
And I agree about the Queen of the Night. That's one aria that never tires me! (Although it most likely tires the singer ...)
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Hello!
Sorry that I can't answer back sooner (Internet down!
Thanks for showing the interest in reading the story. I'm actually quite honoured. I don't really care when you get around to it because I am happy that you thought about doing that. Any feedback would do!
Mozart called the aria "terrifying" himself. All things considered... I think of it as terrifying, too. But that's the Queen of the Night for you!
(as for me... I'm lucky to hit a high tenor note...
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How's your internet doing now? I hope it's a little bit better! Don't worry about late answers, though. Mine are usually late too, because I'm so busy.
Yes, the Queen of the Night's aria is definitely 'terrifying', on so many levels. If I were a singer, I'd be especially terrified! But it is an incredible aria.
So you sing, then?
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The Internet is back and in working condition. Can't complain (anymore)!
I understand busy... with a demanding day job on the side, I can be pretty late in answering things. I hope not to let thing go for too long, though.
It really is incredible. I can listen to it every day! (OK, only about once a day. But yes, every day!)
I used to sing in a choir. But that was a long time ago now. I was OK when I was singing, though!
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You seem to have many talents, with a demanding job, your art, and choir ...
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Well... the choir was a long time ago. I had to quit when I moved away from the city for school. But thanks for reminding me about it. I found a new choir that I am thinking of joining locally. Perhaps I'll go back to singing again!
... My voice had gone lower and sound more gravelly as the years went by. I am not too happy about that. Perhaps it's time to change things a bit.
As for talent...
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Are you still doing requests, or do you only do commissions? If you're up to it, I've got a request. ^_^
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Greetings:
First of all, thank you for writing and thank you for adding this piece to your list of favourites. It's much appreciated.
Two... I suppose a little bit of explanation is in order. I have never done commissions and only complete requests occasionally. This is mostly because I don't have a lot of time to devote to creating new projects (I have a day job with an irregular schedule, you see...). It wouldn't be fair for people who ask me in kind having to wait for a long time.
However, if you don't mind waiting, I would like to hear your proposal for a request. Perhaps we can work something out between us. If your proposal interests me, I don't ask for compensation for completing projects.
Warm regards,
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I'd like to thank you for the prompt response, so...thank you! Please, however, forgive my delay, as I've been on the road the past several days for a wedding. @_@ It's very crazy.
Also, I really enjoyed Pygmalion. The dark aspects of it, the style, they were pretty great.
As for waiting, no, I've got no qualms at all. I believe an artist must take his or her time--that's what I got from living with my sister, anyway--and they can show you a real masterpiece. I really don't mind how long it takes. I appreciate you even considering. ^_^
Alright, so here is the proposal: there are two characters from an old PS1 game--I was absolutely in love with the both of them the moment I was introduced, and since it's not a popular installment, there is little to no art anywhere with them. All I'd really like is either a sketch/line art, whichever's easier, etc. of them full-bodied. I have several screenshots of each, and could send them over to you to take a look at.
The game was called "Granstream Saga", and the characters were siblings called "Laramee" and "Slayzer", sibling Air Pirates.
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Hello! You are more than welcome - and there's nothing for me to forgive. I am sorry to hear that you have been in transition and hope that your days of travels (and travail) will soon be over.
And thank you very much for the kind words on "Pygmalion". I highly appreciate your interest and support of my projects. And thank you very much for willing to wait for me. Tardy that I am, I cannot fully promise you when I will be completely done. But if you have faith in me, that is enough for me to go on.
I've read your proposal. I have to confess that since I don't actually have a gaming console I actually do not know the game "Granstream Saga" at all. I have done some preliminary checks on the Internet but the results out there is scant at best. If I do take on your proposal, I am afraid I will need all of these reference pictures. So here's what I suggest - if you please, I would really like to take a look at these references. We can go from there.
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The trip is finally over--thanks be to the gods--and I'm back home and rooted in! :-D What a week!
And yes--faith and patience I am known for, thankfully! ^_^ That, and of course my irritating habits, but a completely different topic. Haha.
Yes, unfortunately the Granstream Saga's publicity was very slim--it's frightfully upsetting, I'm afraid...it was such a good one, even if it wasn't the prettiest. Anyway, I'll be sending all reference shots to you rather soon and, again, I thank you kindly and assure you I will be most patient and supportive of your other goals during this time. :-D
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It certainly sounds like it has been a hectic week for you, sir. And for that, I'll say even I am glad to know that your travels and travails are finally at their end. There's no place like home, after all.
Well, if you have irritating habits, sir, I haven't quite seen them yet. And I must thank you ahead of time for your faith and patience. Admirable virtues in this world, really.
Unfortunately, a lot of good games remain in relative obscurity for some unknown reason. I personally do not understand the reason why. But then again, yours truly has never been much of a gamer, so I stand at a disadvantaged and relatively uninformed position to speak about this topic. I will defer to your wisdom here. Either way, sir, I will review the screen shots. If they pose enough of a challenged, we'll call this one a "request" and I will, as with all my other requests, produce this project pro bono. All I can possibly ask for are things you are already willing to provide.
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Concept is great, i often think of Prometheus and Icarus in steampunk terms, but not often Pygmalion.
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Aah, Icarus is the prototypical Steampunk story, I think. And Prometheus? Where's the steam without the fire?
But Pygmalion... I think the Pygmalion story is totally steampunk, really. Think of it: "Create an artificial human being of perfection and falls in love with it" has a ring of steam around it much as Londo is covered with fog. Really, I think the Greco-Roman myths are full of steampunk elements if we just look hard enough for it.
Thank you for the comment!
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this reminds me of my oc
she is a steampunk cyborg, and made in a similar way, as a form of her creator's long dead sister
the concept is very beautiful and it matches with the greek-roman story
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Thank you very much for the comment!
I am happy to know that you liked this picture and think the presentation meets the theme.
I'm also glad to know that you can relate to this picture as well.
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This concept actually reminds me of the movie Serenity where the computer-guy-who-knows-it-all has a robotic girlfriend made for him {or he makes her}.
But! The drawing here, the position of the two characters, the colours, the written paragraphs of secret writing is magnifiscent! Makes me imagine the inventor planning out his dream on paper with reference notes and invention ideas!
Would you say that this is the style of art that comes out effortlessly for you?
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Thank you very, very much!
I have to admit: yes. Combining words and pictures in the same image has always come easy to me. Working in an alternative universe where there's an interface between art, science, technology and the humanities has also been a source of inspiration that I return to quite often. These are things that I am comfortable with, for sure.
... except for the effortless part, I imagine. The concept took less than half an hour, the execution about 5 times that amount.
You see... I'm a science geek with a bit of a Gothic mad scientist built in me. I like the strange and wonderful because they are so strange and wonderful to me. Having a template in an alternative world where strange and wonderful things can take place with enough planning and some plotting is quite attractive to me... and in projects like this... I like to think that I'm going back to that world to fetch some proof of its existence.
Finally... thank you so very much for the compliments!
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Your welcome!
It's amazing that our personalities can extend into the world through art. There is so much psychology in this, art like dreams are a map to the mind! Your ultimate inspiration sure produces multi-layered art full of thought and details to find!
2.5 hours for this piece sounds reasonable. It's good that you know what interests you and that you explore it deeper! You are a dreamer. Go you!
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Well... now... ther are more than one way a person can extend his personality into the world, and art is but one of many (especially if you consider my little projects as "art" - the definition of "art" is quite tenuous already, don't you think?)
One thing that I learned from a creative-writing teacher in highschool (that... is a good 10 years ago - oh, my... time flies...) is that we write about what we are passionate about. That's how we function as human beings: The divinity of interest. What we are willing to devote ourselves to would be different from person to person, but all in all... we dedicate ourselves to what we think is a worhty cause.
For example, yours truly believes that nothing should be done with only one purpose in mind - and as you can see... there are at least several reasons why this project is the way it is, right
We are all dreamer, you and I. What makes one a "dreamer" is one who is willing to take his dreams somewhere else and make some parts of it happen. But here lies in the irony, isn't it? To make the dreams happen... wouldn't one have to be a realist?
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Art is an expression of human creative skill, your skills in this case, so yes, your little projects can be and ARE considered as art!
The definition of art is certainly very broad but I still do get amazed by the ways in which people spill their minds into the world which attack the senses!
Hmph time flies indeed, let's not go into that topic!
Yes I agree with your creative-writing teacher, interest is what drives each person in every way.
Why do you believe that nothing should be done with only one purpose in mind?
Is that based on the killing two birds with one stone concept?
Well I think the bottom line is that one person can not be just one type, a dreamer or a realist, each person dreams and is realistic to some degree, leaning more to one side or the other therefore making them seem either a dreamer or realist at first glance.
But I'd have to argue that a person who is willing to take their dreams into reality is not a dreamer but an achiever.
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Art lies in the eye of the beholder, finally. One can call many a thing of creation "art", but unless the thought is seconded, it is but an allegation. That's why people will sometimes ask themselves aloud: "It's nice, but is it art?"
Thank you for considering my little projects "art", however. That's quite the honour, if I may say so.
Now, to answer your question:
Anything that is created with one purpose in mind is a thing doomed to become obsolete and destined for eventual obscurity. Think of all the "useful" things in your daily life and you'll realise that the most effective things are multi-purposed. A simple chair can serve as a chair, a stepping stool, a temporary bed, even a walker when necessary. However, answering machines that do nothing but taping down messages have long since become obsolete. Any fiction with staying power lends itself to multiple layers of interpretation while "dime-a-dozen" Harlequin romances are quickly forgettable.
I've a little bit of a pragmatist in me, I imagine. That is why I don't believe in creating something with one purpose only. You might say I am looking out for the future of my projects.
I do agree with you. The human personality is made of different facets. No one is simply one thing and not something else. We are all a combination of all our facets and the Gestalt is what makes us who we are - slightly greater than the mere sum of our individual parts. About your arguement... well, I think that unless we define our terms, it's not quite possible to relate what "dreamer" means to one person to another.
For example, in my personal "dictionary", a "dreamer" is someone who is all talk and no walk. A dreamer is someone who lets his mind stray without reins, but lacks the power and volition to even articulate his dreams clearly to anyone. In that case, someone who can articulate what he dreams of and shares it with the world (whether through art or action) is definitely more than just a "dreamer".
I don't doubt that the definition in my little dictionary is a little narrow. But it stays the way it is because it has seen quite a few real-life examples. I also know that everyone have a little "dictionary" in them, too. Even common words that are used every day means slightly different things to everyone. My "more-than-dreamer" could very well be your "achiever". So, unless we clearly define our terms, it's hard to compare a Granny Smith to a Red Delicious, even when they are all "apples", don't you think?
P.S.: I apologise for the large numbers of typos in my last message(s). I just realised them as I read through my last reply now. I blame this on my lack of sleep. I hope you'll understand.
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Yes I think art is in the eye of the beholder, or in other words whatever each person connects with emotionally. But again I have to disagree, an opinion over whether something is art or not does not need to be seconded in order to be art. Some people may think too uniquely for others to understand their art. Also I'd like to think art is something I can create, something that makes sense to me ultimately.
And your welcome once again!
Well now that you explain it this way I understand! Yes just like with humans it's better to be multi-skilled to survive and yes the same with products take phones these days, camera, video, internet, organiser, gaming all in one piece.
Indeed! I should have defined my meanings at the start. My personal definition of a dreamer is a person who thinks outside the square. Someone who doesn't bind themself with social standards. But the way they deal with their dreams is another matter, making them either an achiever or not. I think the definition of dreamer stands alone. Not defining how a person makes those dreams into reality.
Well once again our experiences and life determine how we understand words and life in general, so no worries! 
The apple example. ..... 
What mistakes?
You seem to write without mistakes so I didnt even notice.
But ofcourse lack of sleep is understandable, were you getting in a state of oncoming muscle dysfunction when typing?
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Well... art is indeed, artificial (that's why they share the same roots). And you are right on the fact that art is something you create. However, just as there is only a fine line between what makes a madman and what makes a genius, the thin line between what is art and what is ultimately gibberish is sometimes difficult to define as well. Many's an artist who found themselves cornered because what they see in their minds' eye is not considered "art". This is the population that I believe you'd like to address with your opinion. You don't want to miss any of these potentially missed eccentrics whose definition can be difficult to grasp at times.
This, unfortunately, is not always feasible nor is it always appropriate. People like Issei Sagawa and Ed Gein consider what they do high-art while the rest of the world revolt in terror (unless you are of a morib turn, a simple Wiki search is more than enough to understand why I listed these two as examples). Untimately, the society as a whole -want- to define art for most of its inhabitants. It's a matter of stability and control. We are taught what is beautiful so that we can recognise it and not deviate away from it. It will take a long time for any deviant to be accepted as mainstream, and for good reason.
Besides... there's always something to be said about art critics. I don't like them at all, mind, but they sure can try to sell you what they think is "beautiful". We may not like them much, but we can't get too far without them in this world, I am afraid.
So... for someone who is producing something that is not immdiately categorised as being "art" by the majority... you can imagine why I chose a slightly different path. If we make a project multi-purposefully useful (that is, created with more than one goal in mind), they are more likely to gain a staying power, perhaps even long enough that someone eventually in the future will call it "art".
We all have our own inner dictionaries. That's what makes us what we are. And by your defintion, I would, indeed, qualify as a "dreamer" (I wouldn't qualify as one in my own dictionary). Then again, what box? How can I think outside of one when I don't know there's a box?
Finally... because of what I do (or, what "Dextrose Phosphate" does), I'm always constantly living in a sleep-deprived state, bordering muscle dysfunction. That's just part and parcel of my life, right- or left-sided.
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This fine piece of DA art is featured in my journal of this week !!!! [link]
greetz lenZ
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Thanks a lot, Len!
... Really, I've no idea what to say for your continual encouragement and support. You've been nothing but wonderful to me. Thanks again.
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you're very welcome !!!!!!!!!!
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Very very wel succeeded !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! great work !!!! greetz lenZ
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Thanks a million, Len.
Those pencils wouldn't leave me alone for too long, it seems.
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Very nice !!!!
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This is abso-freaking-lutely amazing!!! Holy Fish!! This is GOOD!!!
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Holy fish...?
I thought you didn't like fish...?
But, thank you so very much, sir. It seems that I've finally won your attention in this area after so many years. I'm honoured.
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I don't!
And this area as in "steampunk"? ... If that's the case, I think it's still a failed cause. I'm afraid I appreciated the work, not the content behind it. *sweatdrops*
.... that sounded so bad.
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... So... I really shouldn't tell yo about this wonderful shirt I saw today at work. Right.
Oh, don't feel bad about speaking the truth, sir. Besides... I think I was being entirely too vague in the first place. Throughout the long years that we've known each other... I think this is around the first time you've actually enthusiastically commented on one of my graphical projects featuring characters that do not pre-exist somewhere else. For me, sir, that's a real sign of approval.
Thank you.
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Ohhhhh. *Grins* Well, I just think this one topped all the other ones you've done so far. I don't know... something about this one just REALLY looked GOOD. Not that the others weren't, but somehow, so many of them made them almost like... the norm? But this one stood out and rocked.
I think I'm really bad at expressing myself.
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No, not really.
I consider this project as a "home-coming" to me, really. I've always been a black-and-white, pencil-and-paper person. The advant of computers and graphic manipulating programs have given me an opportunity (or a not-so-subtle push) to venture into the realm of colour. As you can imagine, picking up the game late for someone with limited talent will, by necessity, result in rather shoddy work. And that can be percieved by the mind, even if the words fail us.
To be able to return to the way things "were" was a nice thing for me. And I'm glad that it's won your attention, too.
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Oh dear, you just made my heart skip a few beats.... <3<3<3
Thank you so much! It's beautiful, absolutely beautiful. Much better than i expected! The story behind it, too....ah, i have no words. x3 I really appreciate the time, thought, and effort! Thanks again and again and again~!
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Oh, dear...
Let's hope that heart doesn't skip too many beats. I'm not qualified enough to treat that yet.
You're welcome, by the way, fellow Steampunk-er. You're very, very welcome.
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I'm sure you know a thing or two about basic CPR. If my heart just stopped altogether, i'd be in good hands, right?
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Yup! Fully qualified for BCLS!
... what they usually don't tell you on TV is that the rate of a successful resuscitation (that's to say, getting someone back after the heart's fully stopped) is about 20% at best.
But... never worry, I'll still do my very best. That's the oath I've taken.
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Holy....okay, how about i try and - er - not have a heart attack? That sounds like a better idea to me. Either that or stop trusting those pretend doctors on TV. xD (But damn, they're convincing. >>
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Well... if it's up to us, most people wouldn't want a heart attack in the first place. It's just not a choice that we're given in the first place. But... if you feel discomfort, faint or unwell... sit down, take a few nice, big breaths... and call for help.
(... but I imagine you're not really looking for medical advice at this point now, are you?)
But you're right... Docs on TV look a lot more convincing than real docs. But you see... that's their jobs. The actor's job is to make you believe that he is what he says... and the doctor's job is to just make you feel better. Big difference there, I'd say. I can't make you believe that I can zap everyone back to life even if I tried my darned best... oh, but the guys on TV... Seems that they can raise the dead and cure cancer all in one shift.
... oh, can you imagine what would happen if life was like that?
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I'm dearly hoping i won't need that advice soon... >>
Ah, i know, i know. We can only wish Docs on TV were all like House. Finding the cure for cancer in the smallest, most unrelated comment. "I think i'll be having some pie for dessert today. What do you say, House?" House:"Pie? That's it! It's (insert impossibly huge medical term)-itis!"
If life were like that, then there'd be far too many more humans alive today.
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House is a strange fictional doctor who was modeled after another strange, fictional detective. To be more specific, the detective that he's modelled after wasn't such a nice person to know, either (unless you need his services, I imagine).
Keeping that in mind... I'd say that it's probably a good thing that the world doesn't work in the ways that TV shows us. What's the use of saving someone's life than completely humiliate him to the point that he needs lifelong psychotherapy?
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