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.

Women’s Shoe Trend: ColorBLOCK

Women’s footwear designers are breaking out of the shoe box and giving us COLOR this season!   Not just one, but BLOCKS of color!!  This is definitely a case for “buy the shoes, then the outfit to go with them” theory of shoe shopping.  But, hey … shuzsociety not here to preach to the choir now are we?  The point is, this is a perfect time to build a fun look with rock’n colorBLOCK footwear!

Jimmy Choo Platform Sandal:  $1,009.90 on sale (was $1,669) – Available at Nordstrom.com
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Fendi Colorblock Grosgrain Sandal

Fendi Colorblock Grosgrain Sandal:  $439.90 on sale (was $740) – Available at Nordstrom.com
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Elizabeth and James – Eden Sandal:  $209.90 on sale (was $350) – Available at Nordstrom.com
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Rough Justice Jolie Stiletto Pump

Rough Justice Jolie Stiletto Pump:  $179.90 – Available at RoughJustice.com
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In addition to some of our favorites above, check out the June 2011 shuzscopes for more trendy colorblock footwear …. there’s something for every shoe budget!

June 2011 shuzscopes – ColorBLOCK Me!

Astrologer Maria DeSimone, CEO of InsightfulAstrology.com, and shuzsociety team up to provide shoe lovers with the June, 2011, shuzscopes — your personal horoscope and footwear forecast.  Maria’s slogan is “grow intro your soul” and shuzsociety believes you can “grow from your soles” …. so shoe lover’s benefit from the empowering monthly shuzscopes.

This month, build your fashion foundation on the hot trend in women’s footwear … COLORBLOCK shoes!  Color is the spice of life, so now’s your time to live’n things up a bit.  And we all know “it starts with the shoes.”

ColorBLOCK me … I’m go’n in for the purchase!  See something you love?  Simply click “BUY NOW” to be connected to one of our favorite online footwear retailer partners.

Oh, and don’t forget to watch your “Weekly Forecast” videos by Maria at insightfulastrology.com.  Fascinating info!!!

GEMINI
May 21 – June 21
Have you ever felt like you have a guardian angel watching over you? Well, if so, you’re about to enjoy an entire year of special cosmic protection. Jupiter, the planet of blessings, will enter the part of your chart that rules hidden treasures.  When you really need that extra dose of help you can count on it being there.
Footwear forecast for Gemini: 
 Penny Loves Kenny “Tetra” Orange Fuschia.

$
89.99 – Available at heels.com
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CANCER
June 22 – July 22
The right connections can take you far and now you’ll begin to meet people with major clout. Be sure to network and accept invitations to any dinner parties or events. Friends “with benefits” will seem to appear everywhere you turn. You won’t just have this energy on your side for a month – it’ll be available for the next year. Amazing!
Footwear forecast for Cancer: Brian Atwood Studded Multicolor Cutout Pump.

$592 on sale (originally $
790) – Available at NeimanMarcus.com
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LEO
July 23 – August 22
Your career is officially on fire! Opportunities abound for you and there not going to stop anytime soon. This month launches a remarkable one year cosmic “good luck” influence that will affect you in professional matters. Now is your time to grab the brass ring…it’s yours!
Footwear forecast for Leo:  Stuart Weitzman “Bradford” Platform Sandal Heel.

$
375 – Available at Nordstrom.com
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VIRGO
August 23 – September 22
If you’re an aspiring writer, you might land a book deal. And if you’ve been thinking about going back to school or taking a trip abroad then stop thinking and go for it! The cosmic forces that begin this month and last for an entire year want you to broaden your horizons and spread your wisdom. Go for it!
Footwear forecast for Virgo: 
 Nine West “Stylin” Sandal.

$88.95 – Available at Nordstrom
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LIBRA
September 23 – October 22
You might have extensive luck that begins this month regarding joint financial matters. If you’re hoping to secure venture capital, a line of credit or loan, it’ll be easier than ever to achieve. In fact, you might also hear news about an inheritance coming your way. Yes – money matters look fabulous!
Footwear forecast for Libra: Fendi Color Block Platform Slingback Sandal.

$625.99 on sale (originally $
895) – Available at Saks.com
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SCORPIO
October 23 – November 21

Any alliance you form now will be especially beneficial to you. If you’ve been considering hiring an agent, lawyer, publicist or taking on a new business partner, the universe has you covered. In fact, this month begins an entire years’ worth of brilliant luck concerning all of your closest relationships. Excellent!
Footwear forecast for Scorpio:  Miu Miu Tri-color Spectator Pumps.

$625.99 on sale (originally $
895) – Available at Saks.com
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SAGITTARIUS
November 21 – December 21

If you’re looking for a second job or on the hunt for extra freelance work, expect a flood of prospects. In fact, you might have so many options you’ll need to turn down some of them! Enjoy this abundance while it lasts. It begins this month but will affect you for an entire year. Wow!
Footwear forecast for Sagittarius:   Diane von Furstenberg “Venus” High Heel Sandals.

$
335 – Available at shopbop.com
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CAPRICORN
December 22 – January 19

Romance is in the air! If you’re single then you won’t be alone for much longer. A once in twelve year “lucky” cycle is about to begin this month in the part of your chart that rules true love! If you’re attached you might decide to have a baby. Either way, your middle name has officially become “fun!”
Footwear forecast for Capricorn:  Pierre Hardy Striped Wedge.

$
529.00 on sale (originally $885) – Available at Barneys.com
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AQUARIUS
January 20 – February 18

A move or major home makeover might be in your near future. In fact, things will start to develop this month! You might decide to hire contractors or suddenly walk past your “dream home” and make a bid! The prospects for you to upsize in some way are strong now. You’ll live larger than life!
Footwear forecast for Aquarius:  L.A.M.B. “Eben Raffia” Platform Sandals.

$
265 – Available at shopbop.com
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PISCES
February 19 – March 20
You might hear good news this month from a sibling or cousin. In fact, it could be spectacular! You’ll not only be thrilled for your loved one, but in some way, his or her news could bring you benefits as well. In addition, you might decide to take a weekend trip that turns out to be a blast.
Footwear forecast for Pisces: Jessica Simpson “Bendie-DP” Purple.

$
89.99 – Available at heels.com
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ARIES
March 21 – April 19
The cosmic sky just handed you a money tree. Well…almost. Now that lucky Jupiter has entered your income sector for the next year however, you truly have the most “abundance” potential out of all the signs. NOW is the time to market a new talent or ability. It will pay off!
Footwear forecast for Aries:  Rough Justice Katie Multi Panel High Platform Sandal.

$
249.90 – Available at RoughJustice.com
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TAURUS
April 20 – May 20

You’re officially the cosmic favorite from now until next year. That’s because Jupiter, the planet of luck and abundance, will enter your sign this month for a rare once in twelve year visit. All new personal endeavors and relationships started now will succeed beyond your wildest expectations. Just wait and see.
Footwear forecast for Taurus: Marc by Marc Jacobs Canvas Wedge Oxfords.

$290
 – Available at shopbop.com
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shuzsociety has made it easy for you to shop for shoes through our favorite online footwear retailers.  Click on the shopping guide to shop by designer/brand, styles or through one of our many online footwear retail partners.

May 2011 shuzscopes Forecast Leopard Shoes For the Wild At Heart

We all have a little untamed beast in us, so step out in a pair of leopard shoes in May.  Leopard print never goes out of style and women’s footwear designers keep coming up with impressive ways to allow us to prove that we are “wild at heart!”

Astrologer Maria DeSimone and shuzsociety provide shoe lovers with your May, 2011, shuzscopes — your personal horoscope and footwear forecast.  See something you love?  Simply click “BUY NOW” to be connected with one of our favorite online footwear retailer partners.

Treat yourself to more about you and watch your “Weekly Forecast” videos by Maria at insightfulastrology.com.

May 2011 shuzscopes & Footwear Forecast
Leopard Shoes For the Wild At Heart

TAURUS
April 20 – May 20

An amazing personal project can start now with great success potential. Be sure to put your best foot forward this month because you’ll have a chance to seize more than one opportunity. Later in the month, a relationship issue becomes the key focus. It might be time to say goodbye to an outworn business or personal alliance.

Footwear forecast for Taurus:  Alice + Olivia Animal Print Canvas Wedge Sandals

$245 – Available at saks.com
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GEMINI
May 21 – June 21

You’ll have a month focused on the mind/body connection. This will be a great time to let go of negative health habits and begin new, positive ones that will help you align yourself back to your prime potential. You might decide you need more privacy than usual. Honor this and realize it’s a crucial way to feed your soul.

Footwear forecast for Gemini:  L.A.M.B. Pounce

$254.99 on sale (originally $325) – Available at piperlime.com
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CANCER
June 22 – July 22

Your social life will be especially busy this month. You might have an opportunity to join a new club or organization – one that will allow you to meet new and exciting acquaintances. It’ll be a great time to initiate a media presentation or to launch a new website if you’ve been thinking of doing so.

Footwear forecast for Cancer:  Tory Burch Julianne Leopard Wedges

$227.50 on sale (originally $295) – Available at shopbop.com
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LEO
July 23 – August 22

Your professional life is about to hit an all-time high! A new opportunity to shine in the eyes of authority figures will present itself and you’ll definitely want to take advantage. Realize that this is just the beginning of a major lucky streak for you in career matters. You might also finalize a real estate deal. If so, you’ll be glad it’s over.

Footwear forecast for Leo:  Pedro Garcia Giza Leopard-print Calf hair Ballerina Flats

$460 – Available at Net-a-Porter.com
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VIRGO
August 23 – September 22

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning an overseas trip this month. Even if you’re not in the travel mindset just yet, an opportunity might present itself that’s too good to pass up. Later in the month you’ll finalize a major contractual agreement. This negotiation has been particularly challenging for you. Whew…it’s done!

Footwear forecast for Virgo:  Angeleigh Anastasio Lilla Leopard Peep Toe Pump

$495 – Available at AngeleighAnastaasio.com
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LIBRA
September 23 – October 22

You’ll spend the month intensely focused on your finances. Thankfully, things are looking up for you and as far as joint money is concerned – it’ll only get better. You might consolidate loans or other debt this month or make another major decision concerning any debt you’ve got. You’re on the right track!

Footwear forecast for Libra:  Stuart Weitzman XRAY Platform Wedge Espadrille

$318.40 on sale (originally $398) – Available at endless.com
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SCORPIO
October 23 – November 21

A new business alliance could be exactly what you’re looking for to help propel your career in an exciting new direction. This month, weigh your options carefully but know that if such a prospect comes your way, it’s likely to be positive. You’re ready to go “out with the old and in with the new” on so many levels.

Footwear forecast for Scorpio:  Ash Eloise Leopard Haircalf Pumps

$185 – Available at shopbop.com
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SAGITTARIUS
November 21 – December 21

If you’re hoping to find a new job or land a plum freelance assignment, you’re in luck! It’ll be easy as pie to send out your resume and interview this month because opportunities will abound. If you’ve been putting off routine doctor’s visits it’s time to get it together. You owe it to yourself to make health a priority.

Footwear forecast for Sagittarius:  Rebecca Minkoff Strut Haircalf Pumps

$315 – Available at shopbop.com
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CAPRICORN
December 22 – January 19

Romance is in the air! If single, you’ll have a glorious opportunity to meet someone new and enticing. You’ll want to have fun and you, more than any other sign, deserve it! You’re always so business oriented and serious. Well now the universe is sending you a clear message to lighten up and live out loud!

Footwear forecast for Capricorn:  Sam Edelman Womens Grenna Ankle Strap Leopard

$100 – Available at endless.com
BUY NOW

AQUARIUS
January 20 – February 18

Domestic matters will take your full attention. You’ll begin a home related project having to do with decorating or a home renovation. It could also be something you decide to do with a relative and if so, working together will bring you closer. Authority figures in the family might make you emotional. Keep it all in perspective.

Footwear forecast for Aquarius:  Rough Justice Lake 2-Leopard

$209.95 – Available at heels.com
BUY NOW

PISCES
February 19 – March 20
If you’re in the writing industry, you might receive a spectacular opportunity this month. It’ll also be a great time to take a weekend getaway. A road trip with siblings or to visit them will be particularly enjoyable for you now. Later in the month you might be focused on a legal matter. Things could finally be resolved.

Footwear forecast for Pisces:  Steven Madee Haircalf Tuxedo Flats

$120 – Available at shopbop.com
BUY NOW

ARIES
March 21 – April 19
If there’s such a thing as a money tree, you’re planting one. It’ll be just the beginning of a whirlwind positive shift in finances for you. Budget changes are happening now but by June you’re ready to enjoy a spectacular cash influx. What happens this month is only a taste of the goodness in store.

Footwear forecast for Aries:  Giuseppe Zanotti Pointy Toe Haircalf Pumps

$595 – Available at shopbop.com
BUY NOW

shuzsociety has made it easy for you to shop for shoes through our favorite online footwear retailers.  Shop by designer/brand, trend or through one of our many online footwear retail partners.

Spring 2011 Shoe Trend: Nude and Natural

No matter where you look, women’s designer shoes are going au naturel this season.   Face it, nude and natural shoes go with everything!  Whether you prefer pumps, wedges or flats, you definitely have some beautiful style choices … even if you’re a footwear fanatic on a limited shoe budget.

At shuzsociety, we do the leg work for you … all YOU have to do is click the “buy now” link.  How simple is that?  In addition to the selections below, be sure to check out the nude shoes in your March footwear forecast in shuzscopes.  Ready?  Go nude!

Brian Atwood Terminator Lattice Pump:  $710 – Available at Neiman Marcus

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L.A.M.B. “Vogal” – Natural Leather Wedge Sandal:  $344.99 – Available at Heels.com

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Fendi Tie-top Peep-toe Bootie:  $785 – Available at Neiman Marcus

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BCBG Girls Estrella Platform Pumps:  $106.56 on sale – Available at endless.com

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Casadei Triple Platform Strappy Sandal:  $750 – Available at Neiman Marcus

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Dolce Vita “Idalia” Sandal:  $157.50 – Available at endless.com

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Miu Miu Bow-tie Mary Jane Bootie:  $675 – Available at Neiman Marcus

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Matiko Nova – Nude:  $174.99 – Available at heels.com

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Angeleigh Anastasio “Pamela” – Nude:  $440 – Available at angeleighanastasio.com

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Jessica Simpson “Massi” Platform:  $89 – Available at endless.com

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