The saying goes, "You never really understand a person until you walk a mile in their shoes." My upcoming solo exhibition, In Their Shoes, takes this sentiment to heart—or rather, to canvas. This show is a departure from my earlier works of self-portraiture and anatomical symbolism. It’s a focused exploration of shoes and the stories they carry, each pair representing a life lived, a journey taken, and a story worth telling.
Why Shoes?
Shoes are more than just an everyday necessity; they are silent witnesses to our lives. They bear the scuffs of our struggles, the shine of our triumphs, and the wear of countless steps forward. When we see shoes, we see ourselves: where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going. This belief lies at the heart of my artistic mission and is the driving force behind In Their Shoes. I want viewers to see these shoes and be reminded of their own resilience and transformation, as well as the shared humanity of those around them.
The Stories Behind the Soles
Each painting in this exhibition represents a unique narrative. Some shoes tell tales of joy—a teen’s pair of sneakers, a pair of hiking boots. Others speak of struggle—a teachers worn flats, boots that have marched through loss and survival. By focusing solely on the shoes, I aim to invite viewers to project their own interpretations and memories, creating a deeply personal and universal connection.
The Process
This body of work challenged me as an artist. Painting shoes might sound simple, but capturing their essence—the creases, the wear, the personality imbued by their owner—required a meticulous eye for detail. Each pair is rendered in oil, my preferred medium, which allows me the time to build layers and infuse each piece with depth and emotion. Oil painting is particularly effective for this exhibition because its richness and versatility mirror the complexity of the stories these shoes represent, enabling me to capture nuances that evoke a profound emotional response. The slow drying time of oil paints mirrors the slow unfolding of the stories these shoes represent.
A Solo Show, A Shared Experience
Though this exhibition focuses on shoes rather than direct self-portraiture, it remains deeply personal. The stories I’ve chosen to tell through these works reflect themes that resonate with my own journey: resilience, growth, and the beauty of imperfection. My hope is that visitors will feel a sense of connection—to the art, to their own stories, and to each other.
An Invitation
In Their Shoes is more than an art exhibition; it’s a space for reflection and empathy. I invite you to step into this collection, to walk alongside the stories these shoes carry, and perhaps, to see your own journey mirrored in their soles. Each pair tells a story, but the gallery as a whole speaks to the shared human experience—our collective struggles, triumphs, and the steps we’ve taken to get to where we are today.
The exhibition opens on March 8 at Gallery Chimera in Atlanta Georgia. I would be honored to see you there. Let’s walk this journey together, one step at a time.
