des0135
Tape Shoe
Tape Shoe Design II Fall 2009- top of toe
Deconstruction and Replication
By: Danielle Smith sec. 506
Inspired by the idea of the project, I started by sketching my shoe as soon as I got home. I sketched for a long time; first, the side views and then every other angle that might be useful. Then I began to research Mike Leavitt in order to see the origin of this interesting media choice. I looked at several of his shoes and even some animals and then read about him as an artist. Throughout the project, I discovered the limits of masking tape both in observation and in utilization. After experimenting with tape samples of different textures and curves, I decided to start with the frame of the shoe. I had no clue how I was to replicate it so I began putting tape on the shoe itself. Next, I removed the frame from the shoe and built it up to the desired thickness. The sole came soon after. I photocopied the opposite shoe and traced it in order to get the right size sole. My shoe has many layers of sole/padding so I made them one at a time by stacking tons of tape and cutting them out. I found out the hard way that tape does not like to unstick itself when stuck to another piece on the adhesive side. Also, tape is not easy to twist and shape when it is layered to the degree of thickness that a fabric can be easily altered at. I worked really hard on my shoe and I have a new appreciation for the patience and cleverness of such brilliant and unique artists. I am very motivated to begin experimenting with materials that I never thought of as a media for my work. Thanks for the eye-opener!
Tape Shoe
Tape Shoe Design II Fall 2009- top of toe
Deconstruction and Replication
By: Danielle Smith sec. 506
Inspired by the idea of the project, I started by sketching my shoe as soon as I got home. I sketched for a long time; first, the side views and then every other angle that might be useful. Then I began to research Mike Leavitt in order to see the origin of this interesting media choice. I looked at several of his shoes and even some animals and then read about him as an artist. Throughout the project, I discovered the limits of masking tape both in observation and in utilization. After experimenting with tape samples of different textures and curves, I decided to start with the frame of the shoe. I had no clue how I was to replicate it so I began putting tape on the shoe itself. Next, I removed the frame from the shoe and built it up to the desired thickness. The sole came soon after. I photocopied the opposite shoe and traced it in order to get the right size sole. My shoe has many layers of sole/padding so I made them one at a time by stacking tons of tape and cutting them out. I found out the hard way that tape does not like to unstick itself when stuck to another piece on the adhesive side. Also, tape is not easy to twist and shape when it is layered to the degree of thickness that a fabric can be easily altered at. I worked really hard on my shoe and I have a new appreciation for the patience and cleverness of such brilliant and unique artists. I am very motivated to begin experimenting with materials that I never thought of as a media for my work. Thanks for the eye-opener!