What is a Shoe-Bird?
Basically, a “Shoe-Bird” is an original concept I developed a few years ago. I carve a head of the shorebird I’m creating and attach it to an old shoe last. I paint and seal the bird, then add legs and a base. The result… the one and only “SHOE-BIRD.”
The Process…
What is a shoe-last? Shoe companies in the early 1900’s made shoes by stretching leather around wooden forms called “lasts”, often confused with shoe stretchers. (both in photo left)
I search for lasts at antique stores, auctions, and other places. I envision the bird species I am making, carve the head, attach it to the last, partially paint it, then add legs and base.
Yellow Legs
Approximately 16″ high
Collection of R. VanCleave
This alert yellow legs shoe-bird was made from a rare, high ankle shoe last which is very difficult to find.
Godwit
Approximately 17″ high
Private collection
A woman’s high heeled last was used for this piece. This shoe last was one of my favorite finds.
Like all my my Shoe-Birds, a rusty pitch fork tine was used for the bill.
Long Billed Curlew
Approximately 28″ long
Collection of the artist
Curlews are the largest shore birds found in America. They were also one of the tastiest, thus Curlews were almost hunted to extinction.
The high ankled, lace up shoe was popular with ladies around the 1800 ‘s. Shoe manufacturers made these forms to create this shoe style.
Long Billed Whimbrel
Approximately 18″ long
Collection of the artist
Whimbrels are found on the northwest American coast, and occasionally on the east coast of Canada. They are excellent flyers.
This Whimbrel in the feeding position is very popular with decoy collectors.
