(I apologize that none of the web addresses listed in this blog are functioning links, please forgive me. The blogger app I am using would not activate them. Hopefully Google will remedy this issue quickly).
Mockingbird Moccasin Mirage
Collage images found using Google
The truth behind these shoes is a lot to take in and process. My boots are my second round at making shoes.
My first pair of shoes have miss-matched tops and hand painted hummingbirds. They are copied recycled Nike Valenka shoes June 20, 2012
My art is influenced by my childhood experiences. The biggest single decision I made that rules my entire life is that I must make my own way. This making involves every facet of life and is literal, and metaphoric seeing or viewing my wears, as well as, my blogs herein.
I believe 1984 was the very first and only time I saw ring moccasin boots that had been made in Maine. Clearly, my classmate's shoes made a deep long lasting impression that penetrated my unconsciousness and has been subconsciously guiding my every move.
I have subconsciously or unconsciously been collecting things to make these shoes for 20 years and one month almost to the day. I know this much time had passed because of the receipt of when I bought my industrial walking foot sewing machine.
Without this machine the shoes would have taken a ton of effort and time.
Where is the synchronicity?
I began dissecting synchronicity because the date of my machine receipt purchase is my boyfriend's birthdate.
It is synchronicity that both my MOCKaSIN boots and my second John Galliano Pirate Jacket use the color orange.
Another color synchronicity is that this scrap (bison?) leather matches the belt that I wear and that I have worn since I was 14 years old. (The colors are not identical but dark brown is dark brown).
It is synchronicity, as well that the word moccasin actually mocks a real sin. To begin to see my line of thought one would have to be able to understand that sole and soul are profoundly interconnected.
One doesn't have to be a scholar to understand that moccasins are the closest shoe to walking barefoot. The common knowledge, usage of the word and actual wearing of the shoe makes moccasins the most accessible culturally appropriated item ever. In my eyes, this is the real sin.
Here's an article that rates Moccassins #2 culture appropriation: http://m.mic.com/articles/123995/5-items-high-fashion-loves-to-steal-from-native-americans#.F5Kes71mt
Re-Appropriation Image found viewing: http://www.takepart.com/photos/native-re-appropriation-gallery/next-gallery
Native American tribes and peoples have been fighting for their own territories. The making of the moccasin form and its adaptations seems insignificant compared to the value of land. And I understand that Natives People footwear battle is focused to preserving actual cultural coded beaded moccasins.
But, personally after making my own moccasins I have to say Native American moccasins shoes and boots are the backbone of the shoe industry and quite possibly should be asserted as the foundation of the modern shoe. I could be over zealous in that previous statement. Nonetheless, examining men's shoe wear there seems to be a convergence of sailor shoes and native footwear also know as moccasins.
How It All Happened:
At the end of September 2015, I was driven to make my MOCKaSIN boots because I went through the summer wearing Adidas barefoot running shoes. I really wanted a pair of sheepskin lined shoes to continue my sock less movement in cold weather. As I gathered my supplies, all of this information began revealing past recollections.
Again synchronicity arises examining the lapis ring that I recently made. The shape and color of the lapis goes perfectly with the opals bracelet I made in 2009. This is the opal bracelet accessory that was made with my second John Galliano Pirate Jacket.
My Assessories: lapis ring, opals bracelet, as well as Beast of Burden collaborative black spinel and garnet mask ring with silver and ivory bracelet (the lapis ring, the collaborative ring and ivory bracelet were all made while I waited for supplies for the boots to arrive).
Need a reminder how this is all synchronicity?
I didn't set a plan for any of things to come together that I have listed, photographed and described. All this information is real hindsight. The materials were all gathered using different sources (five people contributed items) at different times. I recognize that mentally I am searching. However, it wasn't ever my conscious decision to dress myself as an explorer/pirate/casual fashionista but yet, I am armed to the teeth with weapons dressing myself as such. I am extremely grateful and feel deeply centered all the way into my soul's sole.
One thing that has really stood out since wearing my MOCKaSIN boots is that hummingbirds have been hanging out or I am able to actual walk up on them fluttering about. Normally, I would see a hummingbird as a blurry flash. However, hummingbirds have been flying near me and pausing long enough for me to photograph them.
Synchronicity notes of Re-Appropriation Image:
I was eager to add the image shown above because it addresses the blatant mockery of Natives in sports. Personally, I believe there needs to be attention to the game lacrosse because it is absolute synchronicity that my classmate who wore the first pair of ring moccasin boots and I both played lacrosse. Now, here is more sports synchronicity: in November 2015 Adidas offered incentives to help eliminate usage of some Native mascots: http://espn.go.com/moresports/story/_/id/14057043/adidas-offers-help-eliminate-native-american-mascots
Personally, I am not completely comforted by this corporate move of compassion considering Adidas 2013 Jeremy Scott Native shoe and clothing line.
http://www.homorazzi.com/article/jeremy-scott-for-adidas-originals-spring-summer-2013-rob-evans-indian-american-first-nations-hightops/
My only sound and sensible solution is to apply to work/design at/for Adidas.
Be sure to view my other posts to see how I made my MOCKaSIN ring boots.
