My current project is an investigation into the ways vast bodies of people move from one country to another due to conflict in one form or another. My interest in this began when I discovered some wooden shoe lasts used by the Sheehan brothers, shoemakers in Newbridge, both of whom have passed away, and a collection of receipts for leather and shoemaking supplies dating back to the early 1900’s.
These shoes and boots were made for, among others, the British Army who were stationed at the Curragh Camp in Kildare at that time (it was handed back to the Irish Free State Army in 1922). This was a training ground for the Cavalry Corps where soldiers were trained in their thousands and sent off to war.... and the death and devastation that ensued.
Today we have still have devastation, displacement and destruction....have things changed all?.....it is still there...just in a slightly different form
I have slip cast porcelain shoes using moulds made from the original wooden shoe forms I found. Shoes being a common item worn by all on both sides of conflict and I use porcelain for its delicate, pure but strong quality. The shoes are displayed on a stainless steel frame in the shape of a heart
The working title of the piece is ‘Not All Streets Are paved With Gold’.