The members of the Academy of Unnatural Sciences, based in Berkeley, California, welcome you to the Neverwas Project, an on-going Do It Yourself (DIY) group of tinkerers, gearheads, and steam bohemians who fabricate steam-powered art pieces out of repurposed industrial detritus. We are loosely based on the works of Jules Verne, H.G.Wells, and other Victorian-era writers who created an imaginary world where steam technology was considered cutting edge and brave explorers could be propelled by gun powder to the moon!

We designed and built the Neverwas Haul as a vehicle to explore the Black Rock Desert for the Burning Man Festivals in 2006 and 2007. We have also been featured at Maker’s Faire, Carson City Admissions Day Parade, and the Handcar Regatta. We welcome all like-minded individuals who wish to participate with us in this on-going endeavor. Our team usually meets at the Shipyard Labs (1010 Murray Street, Berkeley, California) on Sundays at 12pm. Please contact Shannon O’Hare at 510-292-5879 if you would like to help in any way. You can also leave messages for him at shannon_o_hare@yahoo.com.

FIRE EFFECTS FOR NEVERWAS HAUL

We plan to have approximately 10-15 kerosene lamps illuminating the Haul or in the Steam Camp. The stage will be lit with 8-10 mantle lamps (propane fuel). Our steam engines are either run on propane or bio-peat fuel in appropriately contained fire boxes. Appropriately rated fire extinguishers will be placed next to all fire-related effects.

No artwork will be engulfed in flames and no fire will come in contact with the Playa.

NEVERWAS IMAGES

photo:dharmabum90

A few stalwart photographers have captured images of the Haul and have placed them upon fLICKR for the enjoyment of the many.

Never Done Before, Never Will Again

The Academy of Unnatural Sciences puts forth an invitation to all erstwhile fellow explorers, distinguished members of science, and dignitaries from all over the Realm to join us for an evening of Victorian revelry to raise funds to continue the explorations of the Neverwas Project. On Friday, July 17, 2009, we will be hosting a soirée at our Shipyard studios at 1010 Murray Street, Berkeley, CA.

We will begin the evening with High Tea aboard the Neverwas Haul at 4pm, followed by drinks and h’ors doevres at 5:30pm, dinner on the various levels of the Haul at 6:30pm, and finishing with a rousing burlesque show and libations until the wee hours of the morning. We expect all attendees to be properly attired as we would expect for Victorian explorers and what-not. Your attire will not only gain you special attention, but also may win you a prize!

You can join us for all or part of the evening as follows:

Submitted by: Shannon O'Hare, 21 Spring Road, Orinda , CA 94563 510-292-5879

Shannon_O_Hare@yahoo.com

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:

Neverwas Haul, a self-propelled 3-story Victorian House, made from 75% recycled equipment and materials, returns with new interiors, operating system, and collections from its travels around the world (i.e., oddities of the Jules Verne era including a Camera Obscura, described below). The Haul measures 24 feet long by 24 feet high and 12 feet wide and is built on the base of a 5 th wheel travel trailer.

In addition to the Haul, we will be creating the following “green” systems to be used in our Steam Camp under the title of Grand Steam Expedition:

HAUL TO LET:

How You Can Rent the Neverwas Haul
for your next event!

The Neverwas Haul is semi-permanently housed at the Shipyard Labs and can be rented in that venue for weddings, dinners, and other events.  For the right price, the Haul can be transported to your location.  Please contact us at shannon_o_hare@yahoo.com for further information.

STEAMPUNK PRODUCTS :

You, too, can be outfitted in the latest steampunk accessories!  Please check out our line of goggles and helmets at neverwas.etsy.com

CAMERA OBSCURA:

A cooperative effort of a number of artists, photographers and lens makers, the Camera Obscura is installed in the turret of the Haul. With the support of a trained technician, the public sees many a spectacular view. A camera obscura is a series of lenses creating an image that is projected onto a concave screen table (sketch included below). The size of the unit is approximately 12 feet tall by 3 feet wide and is made from hand-made glass lenses, recycled brass fittings and antique ironwork.

SKETCHES AND DRAWINGS:

Camera Obscura, Steam Generator, Bio-Peat Generator, Grand Steam Expedition Stage

CAMERA OBSCURA

STEAM GENERATOR

BIO-PEAT GENERATOR

GRAND STEAM EXPEDITION STAGE

“The future, from the past, that would be today, but never was”
  — Major Catastrophe

We are looking forward to another adventurous season in 2009.  Be sure to attend our "High Tea" on July 17th (see description below - middle column).

The Haul will be appearing at the Handcar Regatta in Santa Rosa California once again; a performance art event featuring a race of vehicles powered by hand on a railroad track, along with live performances and vendors.

We will again attend the Maker Faire in May 2009 .

The Haul will once again return to Burning Man this year, and we will be doing a fund raiser mid July, more details on this to follow.

In October we will be entering a larger and faster steam car for the Escape from Berkeley race.

SUPPORT TEAM

Our main crew numbers 15 and includes machinists, wood workers, welders, and scenic artists. We also have a performing team of approximately 20 participants who will develop and manage the Grand Steam Expedition Stage as well as participate in assembly and dismantling of the Haul and Steam Camp. Many of our crew are veterans of Burning Man and most were involved with Neverwas Haul in 2006, and are well-versed in the needs of the Playa and the protection of the environment.

CREW MEMBERS

Shannon O'Hare
Project Lead, Master Carpenter, Performer

Kimric Smythe,
Head Technician and Fabricator, Solar Design Expert

Liam McNamara,
Technical Advisor, Lead Machinist

Matt Snyder,
Lead Welder and Fabricator

Peter Luca,
Chief Engineer, Motorman

Liz Simpson,
Head Scenic Designer, Lead Photographer

Kathy Tucker,
Project Administrator, Head of the Hibernian Glee Club

Meredith Scheff,
Fabricator, Cartoonist, Performer

Joe Phillips,
Welder, Fabricator, Performer

Phat Mandee,
Cabaret singer, Host of the Grand Stage

Richard Lockie,
Performer

Robin Fox,
Fabricator, Lens Grinder

Kevin O'Hare,
Lead on Camera Obscura

Larry Abrahamsen,
Artist, Performer

Hallie McConlogue, Fabricator, Performer

The rest of our performers at this time are:

Don Bruce, Tracy Feldstein, Nifer Fahrion, SF Slim, Joshua Marker, Will Bartlett, David Apocalypse, Richard Jukes, John Walmsey, Bill Smythe, and 10 others who have not finalized their plans to fill out our troupe of 20 performers

NEVERWAS HAUL PHOTO FROM BURNING MAN 2006

NEVERWAS HAUL at the CARSON CITY Admissions Day Parade,

October, 2006

Winner – Parade Chairman Award

See it run! Click HERE

Our newest invention, a calliope made with copper water pipe.

See it PLAY

See it work!! Click HERE