Those who know me, know how much I love shoes. I always have. Over the years the types of shoes I have worn or liked have changed. Drastically.
Today, especially as I get older, I can’t get away with wearing any old shoe.
Or so I thought.
Last year, while browsing through a vintage shop in Barrington, NJ, I found a pair of boots that caught my eye immediately. I had no idea how much they were or well, anything about them. But I was pretty sure they’d fit. So I plopped right down on the floor and tried one on. Charyl Burley, who owns all the vintage clothing in the shop, just laughed at me. I have a thing for vintage clothing and she has been exceptionally gracious in lending me vintage clothing for photo sessions.
“Those were from Carolyn Wyeth’s personal collection.”
I continued, undeterred. The first one fit, “like a glove.”
“You know that she was Andrew Wyeth’s sister and also a famous painter, right?” I didn’t care. It was the craftsman that piqued my interest most. The styling and details were impeccable.
The second one went on and was just as fabulous. It was like I was wearing a pair of boots that were custom fit for my feet.
Finally I ask “So, would it be terribly disrespectful or insane to want to wear these? I mean like every day?” Clearly they were part of history and Ms Wyeth’s appreciation for fine art and craftsmanship. I wondered if they were only for sale to collectors.
She was quiet and I took her lack of answer as a “yes, Shari, you’d be nuts to wear them, but I won’t stop you.” I didn’t care. I wanted these boots. The stitching and leather stacked heels were so expertly made that they were pure art to me. And you know… they fit me like they were made for me.
I bought them and although I have to love them a little less than I did, due to cracking, they remain very special to me. I wore them last night to dinner with my extended family. They were a conversation piece and some of my family teased me (as they should have) for my silly shoe indulgences. Some did not share my appreciation for the art or craftsmanship, and just did not see what I valued in them.
I got back last night and had to get some more work done in the studio so I took them off by the (still yet to be hung gallery prints). As I looked over this morning I realized that those boots were much more than footwear that fit me well, or that some famous person owned them. They were made by someone who cared about the very tiniest of details, even when most would not notice. Someone once cared enough to create what I consider pure art and I love them for every stitch and every crack.
To each his own art.
To all artists who practice day in and day out honing their craft, I solute you…. while donning my spiffy boots. 
Shari DeAngelo Photography | Philadelphia Wedding Photographer & Lifestyles Photography | Fine Art, Fashion, Lifestyles and Wedding Photographer located in Haddonfield, NJ and Philadelphia PA. Local and Destination services available.
