Connect... Camouflage... Amused!

Amused
8.5" x 6" ~ found objects assemblage
Although I alluded to eventually showing a finished shoe shrine as the "after" picture of the pile of stuff I posted last week, that's not the way it wanted to happen. I did come home from Michael deMeng's workshop with an almost-finished shoe, but I just wasn't loving the way it looked. The problem for me was the shoe - I really wasn't very successful making it look good. There were so many incredibly creative and beautiful finished pieces at the end of the day, but mine wasn't one of them. Even so, the workshop was a totally fun experience, and I learned a lot of cool techniques. In addition to being a uniquely talented and inspiring artist, Michael is also a gifted teacher... his directions and explanations are very clear and easy to follow, he has a silly sense of humor, and he's a super nice guy. If you ever have a chance to take a class with him, don't hesitate! I'll post some pictures soon...

Anyway.... the next day I disassembled the shoe and started from scratch with the idea that I would simply follow my muse wherever she chose to lead me. I used several of the found objects I originally had on the shoe along with some other bits and pieces unearthed from my many boxes of junque. After playing around with this and that, I came up with a concept I liked and just went with it. I connected the parts with wire and liquid nails and epoxy, and then camouflaged all the various elements - some metal, some plastic, some fabric - with layers of paint to make it look old and grungy. I'm really happy with the way she turned out... in fact, I think she is an incarnation of my muse! All in all, it was a fine weekend!