Red Shoes

I am still deciding on how I want to present the photo essay- I abbreviated it further for a forum on shoe-making- only elaborating on specific construction details that deviate from some traditional or common types of shoe constructions. Even the short-short version is twelve images- I think it may be best to create a gallery, rather than post directly into the blog posts. Ah, decisions... until then, read on.

Back in June of 2007 I closed my "factory" space. This is one of the last few pairs of shoes I made before then that have not been placed on my main web site: riotgeer.com.

This is a pair of red shoes with a single set of eyelets with a French-bound edge. This was the first time I've ever used this type of edge treatment- I threw away several attempts. The final piece turned out alright, though it will need further refinement if I am to do it again. The shoe upper itself is essentially a pump, but the eyelet flanges presented a more complicated edge to bind. Most examples I've handled used bias fabric and present a much more delicate edge.

Handmade Shoes

As promised, here is a picture of the shoes made for the Handmade exhibit. Black t-strap mary-jane style with fire-engine red counter-covers. The black and red leather I used is locally produced.

Erick

Reviewing 2007: process

At the beginning of 2007 I participated in an exhibit of handmade arts and goods at the Chicago Tourism Center Gallery. For the exhibit I produced an abbreviated photo essay on the steps I use to create shoes.

The image is of myself standing with the display. Behind me is the photo essay. In the display case are the resulting shoes I made for my fiance Leigh Ann.

I will be posting more images from this exhibit- including the shoes.

Erick

Folding Boots

I thought that for my first post I would show a picture of my most recent creations.

These boots were made for a colleague where I teach and based on an experimental boot from a couple of years ago. The vamps or "galoshes" are made from an Italian Veg-tan leather. The boot shafts are in an "antiqued" garment leather, lined with denim-weave linen.

I hope you enjoy this introduction to what I do.

Erick