Warning, do not try to wear these shoes. Some teenage girls thronged around this exhibit of shoes by Joyce Zipperer. If they had been available in pairs and in their sizes, these girls would have left with new platforms. Of course, they may not have gotten far.
Joyce says she got her start in underwear. Can you imagine how that felt?
“ARTIST STATEMENT
My work stems from a lifelong interest in the design and construction of costumes and clothing which ultimately led to sculpture. Throughout history, women have been influenced by trends in fashion, often discounting comfort and health issues.
Focusing on women's undergarments, I have used metal fabrics, carved stone and welded steel to convey the changed attitudes and styles which have mirrored our culture, past and present, to address some of these issues.”
She put a caveat on her design statement, demonstrating that she knows better to inflict more damage on women with products that are bad for them.
I spend a lot of time in shoe stores for women, looking and looking and trying on to get them just right. Not for me, but for my wife. We spend much of a lifetime investing in shoe products only to hear the words “that elastic strap is too tight,” or the “toe doesn’t feel right.” Hey, you stood on that machine that displayed colorful depictions of your feet and you bought the insert that cost nearly as much as the shoes. What happened?
My advice to women is if you see a Zipperer shoe and it fits, wear it, or maybe just show it on a table in the living room. It is sculpture after all.
Waverly Street Gallery
Open Tuesday - Saturday
12:00 PM - 6:00 p.m.
4600 East-West Highway
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(301) 951-9441
Entrance and parking on Waverly Street.
One block from Bethesda Metro station.
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