Brown Shoes Don't Make It

[Nancy Bell Scott]

And because Erni Bar believes I have enough trash-brains (his term), he sent me his worn-out black shoes: He's right, and he sent these to the right person. Not only do I have a thing for worn-out shoes but Erni's worn-out shoes fit me! That's right, I'm wearing these babies. They're slightly big and wide--just how I like 'em. If Erni thinks these are worn out, one can only imagine what he'd think of the shoes/boots usually worn around here. This is the best pair in the house! To top it off, the brand name is Bar, says so right on the soles. Here are two shots from above, with my favorite socks (tried a "model" stance in the second shot): These shoes are famous, too. Hamburg's best Pedestrian Speech Act was performed in these black shoes! Black because, as Erni quotes Frank Zappa more than once on his packaging, Brown Shoes Don't Make It. Erni says the shoebox he sent these in is the original box:  He had these high-quality leather shoes re-soled twice before giving up on them and sending them to Maine. I couldn't be happier that he did, and feel SO well-shod now. No closet archiving for this mail art. When they really do fall apart, they will be hung from the ceiling or painted or collaged. Thank you thank you thank you, Erni! from one of your many adoring Fan Club members

[De Villo Sloan]

They are really nice shoes. So great they were not discarded.

 

And Nancy's blog really supports the mail-art concept that it's more than just passive, mechanical exchange. Otherwise you run the risk of falling into postcard trading.

 

Erni's piece raises many possible interpretations. But it motivated Nancy to the action (art) of putting on Erni's shoes: "To stand in his shoes." I really see this one as a performance piece. FAB!!!!

[DKeys]

This SO deserves a TrashPoLitzer! Nancy, I hope these don't replace your favorite boots, although these do look very comfortable. How nice of Erni to send you something so personal. I kept the paper towels he sent mail art in to me and used them yesterday. Just found it amusing that I was cleaning with a German paper towel. only in mail art land would things like these be transported across the world.

[prettylily]

Great shoes from Erni and it appears he sent them to the right person.  My husband had a pair of similar shoes; known as the 'platypus specials".  It raises the question in my mind about shoes and why we become attached to them.  I think the specials are still in the attic, although not neatly stowed like Erni's.  If I find them, I will send you a photo.  I can pretty much guarantee you wouldn't want them!  Definitally not as nice as Erni's.

 

Great blog, great shoes, great polka dot socks!

[Nancy Bell Scott]

Thanks kindly for all comments, and Erni, I'm so glad you're pleased. It's also good you posted the photo, because I had a fit trying to find the note you'd included when it came time to blog and could not find it. No wonder--it's on the inside of the flip-top shoebox lid! It's getting near midnight here, and my favorite shoes and socks are still on my feet ...

[Jen Staggs]

Now Nancy will know what it feels like to walk a mile in Erni's shoes.  A spectacular gift!

[De Villo Sloan]

Overall, we're talking about wearable mail-art. This could be big. I can see a DKULT tee shirt for sure.

[Marie Wintzer]

Nancy I like your socks!! :-)))) very funny post, thank you!!

We just established that MinXus is going to take a turn into shoes but, ehemmm, Trashpo can keep those.

[Nancy Bell Scott]

Mail-art history! Ok then, go team go! DVS, the wearables that have arrived in the past week blew me away. It's thrilling. You're right, no shoddiness here, well said.

[De Villo Sloan]

Nancy, we must be witnessing mail-art history.I don't believe anyone has ever mailed shoes before. And you turned it into a performance. Trashpo with sole.Not shoddy at all.