Artist JoAnne Bedient Puts Her Feet to the Fire

By Claudi Lynch, Artist and creator of ShoeStories™

JoAnne Bedient, one of Southwest Florida’s premier clay artists, blends realism and fantasy to create inventive raku shoes. She has always preferred hand-building pieces from clay instead of using a potter’s wheel, but discovering raku firing revolutionized her work.

What’s raku? It’s a Japanese ceramic firing technique that involves removing red-hot pieces from the kiln and placing them in combustible material like paper or straw. Smoke permeates the clay and glazes, creating luster, crackle patterns, and richly textured colors. Each firing produces unique results, and the continual experimentation of this method inspires the artist’s dramatic, whimsical and graceful works.

Bedient’s work can be found in juried shows as well as galleries around the United States. Notable exhibitions include the Really Big Shoe Show in St. Louis and a Washington DC exhibit for the 2000 presidential inauguration.

I stumbled upon JoAnne’s footwork at the Tower Gallery on Sanibel Island, FL a few weeks ago and immediately fell in love with it. I had to know more.

CL: Why a shoe? I heard a rumor about a red patent leather shoe your daughter bought in a vintage store, but what about it captured your imagination?

JB: I’ve always liked “different” shoes but had not thought of making shoes out of clay until my daughter bought a pair of red patent leather shoes from a vintage store while she was in college. I sat and admired the shoes and realized that the shine of the patent leather reminded me of my red glaze that I use in my raku. I’ve always looked at things around me and thought how to make them out of clay (even if I had no intention to do so!) So, I planned out the construction of a shoe and made my first one. Then I researched shoes down through history and made lots of realistic ones; some you really had to tap on to find out that they were ceramic. Someone asked me to do a show and I bravely asked if it could be shoes. That show was so well received! I had no idea what to think beforehand, but soon found out just how many shoe lovers there are and of course, that fed my enthusiasm for new ideas and making them. After I got the realistic ones out of my system, I let my imagination go on to the more whimsical ones. Shoes are little sculptures and can be anything, any idea, especially since you can’t really wear my creations!

CL: What sparks you to create a new shoe?

JB: Sometimes it is from a theme of a show I wish to enter, sometimes from a texture I see, but most often it is from an idea from someone who wants a special gift made. My golf shoe Dressed to a Tee (above) came from a woman who wanted a gift for her mother-in-law who loved to play golf, loved shoes, and had everything she could ever want already. My Fashion Emergency Shoe (below) is an old Cadillac ambulance. A woman wanted a shoe for her sister; their father had been in the shoe business and now her sister owned an ambulance business. My Birthday Boot is from a woman wanting a birthday shoe for her friend’s 50th birthday; because we are Wonder Woman by the time we turn fifty it just seemed appropriate. My Dance by the Light of the Moon (below) shoe came about from a client who is a quilting artist. She was divorced when her children were small and she had to do any creative work at night — by the light of the moon.

CL: You use a lot of puns in your titles. Does the pun ever spark the shoe? My favorite is your Gogh Gogh Boot; it’s like an aural intentional typo.

JB: Sometimes the pun comes first as in the Gogh Gogh Boot. Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” is one of my favorite paintings and I had used that theme in other pieces. Growing up, when I was in about the fourth grade, Go Go Boots were popular. I didn’t have any, but some friends did. Now I have my own “Gogh Goghs”! Most times the pun comes later. My husband, who is a man of few words (usually) and a very punny sense of humor, comes up with many of the titles.

CL: The raku process seems a little risky. Is it? Does a shoe ever explode in mid-process? Do you start it over again or take it as a sign and move on?

JB: Because I have been working in clay for so many years, I don’t lose too many in the process of making or the first firing, but occasionally I do during a raku glaze firing, due to my own clumsiness. In raku firings, the pieces are lifted out of the kiln while they are red hot and glowing using tongs that are about four feet long. Every once in a while I don’t have a good hold on the piece and drop it. If I’ve liked my idea, I start over…

CL: Are there limitations in terms of detail when working with raku or with clay in general? Your work has a very chunky, sturdy feel that works well with the bright colors and shapes; is that an engineering thing or an aesthetic choice?

JB: Raku is a low fire process and the clay body is somewhat more fragile than other higher fired clay bodies such as stoneware; therefore I am sometimes limited on having anything thin sticking out from the shoe or a strap that is just dangling. I have to plan so that anything more fragile is attached to the shoe to stabilize it. That has at times made me have to be more creative by using feathers, wire or some other material as an addition to carry out my idea.

CL: Are these shoes one of a kind, or do you ever remake the same shoe because it’s a good seller?

JB: All of my shoes are originals of a sort. Each is hand built but I do remake some of the more popular ones. Each will be a tiny bit different because I don’t use patterns or molds. I have galleries requesting a certain shoe that a customer saw and it was sold when they came back for it, so I remake as closely as I can for them.

CL: Do you ever combine your categories, say, a teapot shoe or a — wait for it — pear of shoes?

JB: I do sometimes combine my categories, and I DO have a Pear of Shoes!  I also just did a small Dysfunctional Teapot with a pear on it, but I have not done a teapot shoe yet…have not come up with a worthy idea…gotta be a good one if it’s going to be a shoe — Maybe you just challenged me!

CL: Carrie Bradshaw said, “This is not a good economy in which to be whipped cream.” What are your strategies for staying a working artist at this time in history?

JB: My favorite quote, which is from Picasso, answers that best: “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” People still need and want something that makes them smile.

CL: Which real shoes in your own closet are your favorites? Why?

JB: My closet does not look like Carrie Bradshaw’s! I am a 57-year-old artist living in Florida, and comfort plays a bigger part in my style than it used to. I do still love something a little different. My favorite shoes right now are a thin strappy zebra-striped sandal with a kitten heel and silver beads on the top. The other day, my husband (whom I mentioned is a man of few words) looked down at my feet and used a word I don’t remember ever hearing from him. He said, “Those are cute shoes!”. They became my favorites, partly because they make me smile at that word “cute” coming from him about a pair of shoes.

See JoAnne Bedient’s shoes at Tower Gallery, Sanibel Island, FL; Raiford Gallery, Roswell, GA; River Gallery, Chattanooga, TN; Grand Bohemian Gallery, Savannah, GA; Art@830, Key West, FL; and Armadillo, Ltd., Avalon, NJ; and online at www.jbedient.com.

Naya and shoes.com Renew Your Soles Program

shoes.com and Naya have partnered with Soles4Souls to give you the opportunity to make a choice that matters. By giving, you will receive.  Through our Renew Your Soles program, donate a pair of gently worn shoes and receive $20 off an $80 purchase* at shoes.com.

These shoes will be distributed to people in need in over 127 countries. Our hope is that together, we can all leave a softer footprint while helping others.

All you need to do is put a gently worn pair of shoes in a box (even the box that contained your new shoes).
Fill out the form and include in your box.
Attach the label provided and send your package. Postage is not included.
You will receive an emailed coupon for $20 off an $80 or more purchase* on shoes.com.
Soles4Souls will also send you a receipt in the mail for your tax deductible donation.
*Exclusions apply.

Soles4Souls is a non-profit charity that distributes donated shoes free of charge to people in need, regardless of race, religion, class or any
other criteria.

The Naya Commitment

Naya is the expression of their commitment to beauty, comfort and renewing the well-being of our natural environment. This commitment starts with all of us—and it starts now.

The creation of each Naya shoe begins with a feminine design with rich, vibrant colors and creative details. From there they infuse each style with exceptional comfort, using soft leather linings and layers of premium cushioning.

Whenever possible, the Naya collection includes:

Vegetable-tanned leathers and linings Natural or recycled content fabrics

Foot beds and outsoles containing natural cork

Water-based cements

Boxes made with 80% recycled paper pulp soy-based inks and water-based glue

Reusable shoe bags and shoe forms made with recycled PET

View the unique, beautiful Naya Shoes collection at NayaShoes.com.

HBO’s Mildred Pierce … or the Waitress at ShoeStories™?

Millie’s tragic story has always gotten to me, but the other night, something about it seemed so bland, so rehearsed. Hardboiled? It wasn’t even parboiled. My mind wandered, and I pictured Jimmy and Joan* spinning in their graves. In other parts of town, people with real problems were getting chopped and fired, and here I was, stuck with a waitress I didn’t care beans about. In no time flat her world would be crumbling around her, but I couldn’t muster up any feelings for her or her bratty kids.

The worst part was, it left me still jonesing for a hit of smart, witty noir fiction, the very fix I’d gone there to get. Lucky for me, I knew another place to find it.

ShoeStories™ would deliver, I was sure of that. There’s a waitress there who’s not hard to look at — a lot more pleasant than You-Know-Who in those frumpy brown dresses and frumpier aprons. You don’t have to wait three weeks to see how her story comes out, either.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” she said.

By the looks of her that wasn’t strictly true, but I let it slide. Something like that would never be the last straw with me. Besides, I hadn’t come here to sling the hash. If that was her story, I was willing to let her try and stick to it.

I like to spread my noir around a little, share it with a few close friends, and you can’t exactly giftwrap an HBO TV episode. I visited ShoeStories™ and got what I’d been lusting after. So did my friends.

*James M. Cain, author, and Joan Crawford, the REAL Mildred Pierce

New Las Vegas Hotel Steps It Up With 9-foot Stiletto Shoe Sculptures

News courtesy of FOOTWEAR PLUS Magazine, 2.25.2011 Viva Las Vegas With a swank new hotel adding to The Strip’s glam factor, a revolving door of designer-clad big spenders and an enclave of chic boutiques, the host city to many of the industry’s recent top trade shows is celebrating its status as a fashion authority in style. And off the show floor, visitors are still inundated with gorgeous footwear.

At The Cosmopolitan, which opened with grand fanfare on New Year’s Eve, sculptor Roark Gurley fills big shoes with 9-foot stiletto resin statues. The pieces are located on the hotel/casino’s second-floor promenade along side other irreverent Vegas artwork. And thanks to the rowdy Vegas crowd, the stilettos have already undergone one stage of repairs to fix a few chips and nicks since their debut. Even so, these shoes win big praise from footwear aficionados. —Angela Velasquez

Every Shoe Has A Story, Every Woman Has Both. Be Part Of The SOLE SISTERS Film Project!

It’s a universal truth that the right pair of shoes can lift both your spirits and your soles. That’s what SOLE SISTERS is all about, and now you can be part of this inspiring, empowering feature-length documentary film. Join forces with award-winning filmmaker Cynthia Salzman Mondell of Media Projects as she collects women’s stories and mounts the financial campaign for her SOLE SISTERS film project.

Share your most memorable story about shoes with SOLE SISTERS.   Tell them about the day you got your first heels or the time the doctor told you to switch to flats. Do you have that one pair that you will never let go off because it holds your sweetest memories? Which shoes did you wear in the happiest times of your life and what did they make you feel like? Do heels empower you? And if so, why do you think that is? Did someone fall head over heels for you because of your shoes? Every shoe has a story, every woman has both.

To entice you and your chocolate cravings, share your story by March 31, 2011.  Stories can be short or long, joyful or somber, sassy or classy – all are welcome. The stories will be considered for the SOLE SISTERS film project and renowned chocolatier Cocoandré has donated an irresistible chocolate heel for the best story. The contest ends on March 31^st. Send your stories tomail@mediaprojects.org and also visit Cocoandré at www.cocoandre.com.

Exclusive Shoe Painting To Be Auctioned At Wine, Women & Shoes Event

You don’t actually have to wear designer shoes to appreciate this beautiful oil painting.  But, one very fortunate footwear afficianado attending the Wine, Women & Shoes Patron Party on March 4, 2011, will place the winning bid for an exclusive work of art by Tulsa artist claudette.  The proceeds will benefit the YWCA in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The name of the painting is “la chaussure” … it means the “shoe” in French.  The oil painting is actually on two canvases, each measuring 24″ wide by 18″ high, that are displayed together making a breathtaking statement.

“la chaussure” by claudette

Learn more about this amazing woman in shuzsociety’s feature,  “claudette’s Gift ~ A Spirit To Visually Embrace”.

Embrace claudette’s gift and view her entire collection of original oil paintings at www.paintingsbyclaudette.com.  To inquire about upcoming exhibits or acquiring paintings, please contact Diane Gawey-Riley, artist representative, at 918.645.9918.

Wine, Women & Shoes Event to Benefit YWCA Tulsa

March 4th & 5th, 2011  |  Tulsa Convention Center

For fun, it’s a shoe-in — three months earlier than last year!

The YWCA Tulsa’s only and most anticipated event of the year … Wine, Women and Shoes!  They are stepping out with a new concept for the Friday evening Patron Party on March 4th — an event not-to-be missed! Delight in style, fashion and fine foods while sipping on wines poured by West Coast vintners — sensory stimulations galore!

The Signature Event follows on Saturday, March 5th, with a luncheon, fashion show, and shopping with top shoe and accessory retailers (many who aren’t otherwise available in Tulsa). And of course – wines poured by winery representatives!

Sponsorships Now Available
Learn More

Just want to come to the Signature Event on Saturday?
Check out our new Girlfriends’ Packages

Honorary Chairs:
Joe & Darcey Moran

Retailers:

Artemis Boots, Coye Nokes, Cunningham Fine Jewelry, Falchi Handbags, J. Cole Shoes, Jenna Doughton Shoes, Lisa Mackey, Moxie Shoes, Nattie Bleu, Saks Fifth Avenue, Shannon Britt, Sole Mates, and Diana Kelly.

Vintners:

B Cellars (Napa), Chateau Ste. Michelle (Washington), Hahn Family Wines (California), The Gabrielle Collection (Napa), Miner Family Vineyards (Napa), Ca’ Momi Wines (Napa), Oyster Bay (New Zealand), Rocca Family Wines (Napa), Sokol Blosser (Oregon), StableRidge Winery (Oklahoma), Villa San Juliette (California) and Zahtila Vineyards (Napa).

Made possible by:

George Kaiser Family Foundation, Patti Johnson Wilson Foundation, Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation

Call (918) 587-2100 or visit our website to make reservations!

Ex-shoes-me! ShoeStories Holiday Cards and Prints Make Perfect Gifts

Intrigued?  Who wouldn’t be? A shoe with an ass…a beautiful flower…a broken heart…an impossible tree…a very private party.   Artist Claudia Lynch, creator of ShoeStories™, offers her witty illustrations as holiday cards, party invitations (blank inside) and signed, matte gicleé prints.

Ex-shoes-me, but you have to check these out … you’ll love’em!

ShoeStories™ Christmas Cards Pack of 6 Cards / White Envelopes $15.00 Larger quantities available upon request. GICLEÉ PRINTS Signed and matted (11″ X 14″): $75

View the entire collection of ShoeStories™ by Claudia Lynch at claudialynch.com/shoestories.

Claudette’s Gift ~ A Spirit To Visually Embrace

About a year ago, I met artist Judy claudette Williams through a mutual friend at a fashion show in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Sometimes you meet people and just feel their spirit.  I admired Judy’s incredible presence before I even experienced her artwork.  What’s even more moving is that she has survived breast cancer … twice!  Forced to change her lifestyle, she turned to a paint brush and allowed her spirit to create beautiful oil paintings.

Far be it for me to claim myself as a connoisseur of fine art, but I do recognize creativity that moves me.  I normally get that feeling when I see a beautifully crafted pair of shoes!  So, I love it when I discover an artist that blends my passion with theirs.   One of my favorite paintings by claudette is “she’s already taken” … you can see why!

Artist Statement ~

I recently placed a paint brush in my untrained hand and just began painting.  My first piece had an unplanned start and a totally unexpected ending.  For this ability, I have not an explanation.  Other artists, avid collectors and art instructors believe I have been given a “gift”.  Their advice was, “Whatever you are doing, just keep doing it”!  And so…..my alla prima style and technique began.
Even the reason I began to paint was unplanned and unexpected.  I feel I would be remiss to not share my story with you. I tell this not to gain sympathy.  Instead, I want to give hope, inspiration and share my new understanding of how quickly our lives can also have unplanned and unexpected changes.
In the last five years, I have survived breast cancer twice.  We all know what women endure during treatment, and I hope all of us do everything we can to find a cure.  What has totally changed my life is not only cancer.  I had a thyroidectomy four years ago that left me with bi-lateral vocal cord paralysis immediately after surgery.  I did not even know what this was or what was wrong.  I could barely breathe, could not talk and choked trying to swallow.  I eventually had to have a tracheostomy for approximately two years. My precious husband, of 38 years!!, searched for the best specialist to help us.  He found the best.  The Dr.  performed two irreversible and delicate surgeries so the tracheostomy could be removed.  The Dr. calls this procedure “the great compromise”. I am left with a soft voice, and even though I cannot sustain physical activity, I do not have a tracheostomy at this time.
Needless to say, seeing me so inactive, my family knew my spirit was withering. I have always been a very active and full of life person. To my surprise, they gave me a gift of everything I would need to start painting. Our daughter, now takes full credit for this idea!!  They knew painting could be an outlet for my creative nature that would not require physical activity. There was only one problem…..I did not know how to paint!!
Please know, my wish is for you to see and hopefully feel this “gift” of painting I have so passionately embraced.  Yes, painting has revived and saved my spirit.  It is my loving family that as always, saved my heart.   ~ claudette

Embrace claudette’s gift and view her entire collection of original oil paintings at www.paintingsbyclaudette.com.  To inquire about upcoming exhibits or acquiring paintings, please contact Diane Gawey-Riley, artist representative, at 918.645.9918.

Evidence Based Core Training Lecture Series

The Evidence Based Fitness Academy and V-Core Workout present a two-part lecture series presented by Dr. Emily Splichal, shuzsociety “fit feet for shuz” columnist.  Foot, ankle and core training is imperative for stiletto lovers.  Fitness experts and shoe lovers will benefit from the applied research to achieve results!  The first of many lectures to be presented around the country is scheduled for Saturday, November 6, 2010, at the New York Sports Clubs, 49th & Broadway, New York City, NY.   Check the listing below and register today!

Dr. Emily Splichal is a graduate from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and a Certified Exercise Specialist in New York City. Dr. Splichal serves as a fitness specialist and lead instructor at some of the hottest health clubs in NYC. She is the CEO of Catwalk Confidence LLC which is focused on educating fitness professionals on improving balance, posture and gait. Dr. Splichal has had an ongoing commitment to postural alignment and balancing the body’s biomechanics, and has served as an expert lecturing at various medical and fitness conferences. Catwalk Confidence LLC is her extension to the public her passion for both Podiatric Medicine and fitness.

Dr. Splichal is the lead creator of product development, writer and spokesperson for The V-Core Workout. She has been involved in the fitness industry over eight years with impeccable public speaking skills, multiple publications and advanced education in Podiatric Medicine and Human Movement. She is sought by model agencies, talk shows and news stations across the U.S. for her expertise in posture, poise, confidence and foot health.



REGISTER NOW!

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