For our last space project, we made ambulatory device base on the experiences we’ve had during our first college year. I’ve realized that in many of my projects, not just this class, but also other classes, I have engaged and connected to my heritage and my culture, since I have always felt a lack of connection between me and my background. Therefore, I made a pair of shoes that’s based one of the most famous type of shoes in Ancient China, lotus shoes. These shoes were worn by Han ethnic group women and were famous for the practice of foot binding. I’ve also made several designs for the shoes:
Since I have no knowledge of shoe making whatsoever, I was struggling quite much. Below are some process photos while I was making the pair:
I first cut out the shapes of the heels and the tip, then stacked them together, sticker them with wood glue then filed the rough parts. I process was not easy but it was enjoyable to make.
Then I sewed the actual shoe part, which was the hardest process throughout the whole project.
Fitted me just fine however it was falling off due to the weight of the wooden heels. Therefore I cut out a piece of red string and wrapped it around my ankle to secure the shoes. For the other shoe, I made a sandal, a representation of past and modern, a reminder that even though present is important, it’s always important to remember our roots.
Finally a picture of me wearing them;
