Katerina Shukshina Crafts Ephemeral Footwear from Fresh Flowers and Leaves
Katerina Shukshina crafts shoes using fresh plant elements such as flowers, leaves, vegetables, and grasses. Her collection features floral sandals, dandelion slippers, and zucchini ballet flats, each molded by the unique shapes of the plants. Notable designs showcase vibrant blooms, including blue flowers on green foliage and large pink blossoms. Long green stems serve as laces, while pea shoots encircle the ankle. Sneakers are embellished with leaves and flowers, and tulips sprout from intricately designed green footwear. The living materials shift before being photographed, a change Shukshina welcomes as part of their fleeting nature. Influenced by her childhood bond with nature and her background as a history teacher, her artistry also encompasses accessories and clothing. All images of her projects are captured by Shukshina herself.
Key facts
- Katerina Shukshina creates footwear from fresh plant materials such as flowers, leaves, and vegetables.
- Her shoes include floral sandals, dandelion slippers, and ballet flats made from zucchini.
- Shukshina lets each plant's shape and texture guide the design.
- The shoes are temporary because fresh plants wilt and decay.
- She grew up surrounded by gardens, fields, and forests.
- She originally trained as a history teacher before becoming an artist.
- Shukshina also makes other accessories and garments from plants.
- All photographs of the work are by Shukshina.
Entities
Artists
- Katerina Shukshina