In celebration of the Riverdale School District's 125th anniversary, the Dunthorpe Garden Tour was organized on May 4th. Co-chair Holly invited me to showcase some botanical shoes and purses at the event, an opportunity that I very much appreciated.
My friend Joni photographed the shoes and purses at my studio. Thank you Joni!
Yesterday I posted pictures of the silk botanical shoes as well as images of the work of other artists at the 'Art & Sole' show this month at the Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River.
A huge thank you to my friend Joni who came to the studio last Thursday to photograph the botanical shoes and purses that I made for the opning night last Friday.
This month The Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River presents a wonderful show 'Art & Soles'.
13 artists partcipated: Abigail Merikel, Judith Harvey, Melody Robichaud, Micki Shampang-Voorhies, Françoise Weeks, Mark Nielsson, Cathleen Rehfeld, Shawn Daughton, Judy White, Dawn Elle, Mike Friton, Charan Sacher, Damon Clegg.
Last summer I was contacted by Dawn Elle, the curator at the Gallery; she invited me to participate in the show with the botanical shoes. I was so honored by the request but told her that it would not be feasible, as the botanical shoes, made with fresh materials (without a water source) only would look nice for a few days. But Dawn didn't take no for an answer and asked if I could provide fresh botanical shoes for opening night and also make some with silk flowers. Silk flowers…. it never had crossed my mind to work with them. But after some research I found a nice selection of silk flowers and texture and once again decided to get out of my comfort zone and explore something new. Besides the obvious that the materials don't wilt, I discovered that the silk flower petals and leaves also stretch a bit – a perfect quality as shoes do not have flat surfaces….
So here are some examples of the silk botanical shoes as well as many marvelous pieces from several of the other artists. Tomorrow I will do a post of some 'real botanical shoes and purses' that I also made for the opening night.
Shawn Daughton, who made jewelry with the shoe theme took many pictures at the show. Thank you Shawn!
I have to admit that I'm a bit obsessed with the botanical shoes these days as I was invited to participate in a 'shoe show' at an Art Gallery next month. Very excited about this!
Joni Photo
Last month I participated in a bridal show at the Benson Hotel. The Wedding Experience was a luxurious mock wedding, produced by Simon and Megan Blanco.
The botanical shoes and purses decorated the bistro tables for the cocktail hour. Next week I will post images of the flower towers and the log arrangement.
A huge thank you for these great pictures to Mario with Falcusan Photography
A fun idea for centerpieces : a selection of stiletto and wire shoes decorated with botanical materials. Or you could wear them for a special occasion!
Joni Photo
Joni Photo
