shoe bites

Wooden shoes are synonymous with the farmer community of Europe. Considered cheap and durable clogs were extensively used by people a few hundred years back and till date are in use. Clogs have different names in different countries. Known as Klomp (Netherlands), Klompen (German) and Sabots (France) clog making techniques also differ in the design.  Woods which would not split like Alder, birch, sycamore, willow or beech were commonly used. In Europe craftsmen, known as bodgers, prepared the wood for clogs by roughly shaping the soles. The first clog maker’s guild was formed in Netherlands in 1570. The traditional wooden clog is still worn on ceremonial occasions and at traditional dancing events but sadly the number of craftsmen able to make clogs has significantly reduced.

Information and photo credits:

http://historyofwoodenshoes.blogspot.in/2009/05/clogs.html

http://www.dezaanseschans.nl/en/stores/wooden-shoe-shop/

http://www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/experience/about-amsterdam/history-and-society/clogs

teachers day

day of passion

Sometimes a work of Art can last for centuries and at times is forgotten within minutes. Yet a day of passion filled endeavour can produce phenomenal results. Brazilian sculptor Nele Azevedo created a unique installation, on the steps of Chamberlain Square in Birmingham, U.K to commemorate thousands of innocent civilians that lost their lives during World War I. He feels that while most memorial give tribute to soldiers very little significance is attributed to civilian deaths.

His unique installation comprised of 5,000 little ice figurines sitting on the steps melting away signifying the near forgotten deaths of innocents that lost their lives to war. The melting, ghostly figures, placed by volunteers, created a truly haunting image, and they were crowned by a red figure that seemed to drip a trail of blood down the steps.

Credits:

http://www.boredpanda.com/minimum-monument-ice-sculptures-first-world-war-nele-azevedo/