Wesley College Junior School

Shoes

• Students began by looking at the way in which artists have transformed everyday objects into art or something special.
• They looked at a number of images from different books focussing on shoes such as, 'Shoes - A Celebration of Pumps, Sandals, Slippers & More' by Linda O'Keefe.
• These designs showed a range of shoe designers whose limitless imagination, colour and craftmanship inspired the students to create/transform an ordinary shoe into something fantastic.

The unit was divided into the following sections:

Design

• Using an old shoe, boot or thong as a starting point, students were required to come up with four different ideas in their sketchbooks.
• The ideas varied and ranged from fantasy creatures/characters, abstract shoes focusing on colour and shape to themed shoes, such as football, cars, boats, flowers etc.

Armature/Skeleton

• Students were then required to recreate their design on the shoe by initially forming a base or 'skeleton.'
• We then discussed the different materials that may be needed to build up features (eyes, wings etc.) such as cardboard, chicken wire or newspaper. At this stage there was a focus on strength and support to the armature.

Cover

• Students chose between using Modroc or Sculptamold to cover their shoe designs depending on the effect that they required.
• Modroc strips were cut, dipped in water and draped over the constructed shape with at least two layers.
• Some students also twisted or scrunched modroc strips to create a textural effect.
• The Sculptamold was used if the students required a 'rough' texture or if the design required pieces to be moulded on to the base.
• The Sculptamold was mixed with water and a small amount of PVA to form dough like consistency.
• This was then applied to the shoe and manipulated to create various features.
• Both the Modroc and the Sculptamold shoes needed several days to dry properly before painting and decorating again.

Paint & Decorate

• Students painted their shoes using Vipond Paint.
• They also used additional materials to enhance or decorate their new shoe.
• Paint Pens were used to add fine detail or lines.
• Other popular decorating materials included, Glitter, Feathers, Beads, Raffia, Joggle Eyes, Pom Poms, Wool, String, Coloured Paper, Cellophane, Felt and more.

Evaluation & Presentation

• Finally students did a self-evaluation/reflection sheet, recalled the process involved in achieving the final result and difficulties that were encountered.

Copyright 2004 Zart Art & Zart Education Service