Schieferstein's Hoof Shoes

Berlin artist Iris Schierferstein's new shoes.  Above is Hoofs (2005) with horse hooves and zippers. Below is her more recent Vegas Girl (2009) with cow hooves and toy pistols and Temptation (2009) with pigeons.

See more of Schieferstein's animal shoes at http://www.froschportmann.com/IS.html

Check out more hoof styles at http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/8/view/9050/hoof-shoe-success-continues.html 

Comments

[susie]

You are fucking wierdos.... you are what makes the world wrong today how would u like it if someone cut your foot off gutted it and wore it nasty ass wierdo.... when something dies its meant to go in the ground be burried and Rest In Peace not be poked and protted on.... but of coarse some city wierdo comes along and comes up with a stupid idea that takes an animal that was once someones pet that they loved to death..... and U take it and chop it up and sell it to WIERDOS!!!!!!!!! Wake up people THIS AIN'T NORMAL.........

[susie]

You are fucking wierdos.... you are what makes the world wrong today how would u like it if someone cut your foot off gutted it and wore it nasty ass wierdo.... when something dies its meant to go in the ground be burried and Rest In Peace not be poked and protted on.... but of coarse some city wierdo comes along and comes up with a stupid idea that takes an animal that was once someones pet that they loved to death..... and U take it and chop it up and sell it to WIERDOS!!!!!!!!! Wake up people THIS AIN'T NORMAL.........k

[Lyssa]

Susie, darling, none of those were ever pets. They all died of natural means, and the cow and horse's hooves were removed after their deaths. Also, there are no guts inside human feet or any animal's hooves. However, should we pretend that there are guts inside my feet, I would not particularly care if someone removed them after my death (and actually all humans have their juices removed when they die and are filled up with chemicals that prevent decay).

You are right, it isn't normal, but I don't think everything has to be. I don't think abnormality is a bad thing. People who make unusual and creative art pieces are the ones who make the world diverse. You are the kind that kills diversity, and tries to make everything the same. You are the kind that conforms.

[Lidija]

....also, what do you think your regular shoes are made of? most probably someone's dead darling pet cow. Cuz, you know, leather is kinda what we wear on our feet most of the time. And leather comes from taking a cow, killing it, stripping away the flesh, and tanning the hide. The only difference here is that the fur is still attached.

Now who's a weirdo? :D

[nilde]

shame on you

[susie]

Haha real funny WIERDO but your still one see you like getting into them sick details I know when a cow or horse goes down and can't get get back up there done for but ur takin ones that aren't going down which is nasty and only filthy sick minded ppl wud do... but thanks for your time I have more important things to do with my time then waste tryin to teach basically an illitorate person the understanding of things.

[Melanie C]

I realize this debate stopped a while ago, but I find it a little hilarious that Suzie, trying to claim that someone is illiterate, spells the very word wrong. Speaking of illiteracy, "pple" "ur" "takin" "wud" are not adding much credibility to the opinion you so rashly spout. Also, the use of the wrong word "then" when it should be "than." It strikes me that if you would prefer to be taken seriously on any matter, Suzie, and perhaps seem like someone who might delve beneath the surface of a situation with any intelligence or thought, you might work on your grammar.

As to the matter here; yes, it is different. Different, even a little odd. You may not agree with it, but it is far to the side of ignorance to claim that it is inherently wrong. Many things in life need to be inspected from many angles before judgement can be made. And many times it is not a person's place to judge at all.

Let's talk about art, shall we, for this is art even if it is found unpalatable by some. Unpalatability may even add even more credibility to its artistry. Art is meant to spur thought, provoke feeling. It speaks to each person differently. Some art says nothing to some, and speaks volumes to others. The very best art spurs a discussion such as this. It shows some for who they are; unthinking, quick to judge.

I am an animal lover. I think they are beautiful, wonderful, and precious every one. I have cared for many and don't plan to stop now. A sight like horse hoof shoes makes me pause and think. I could take it as a horror, and certainly would if it became such a rage of fashion that healthy horses might be slain just for their feet. Perhaps not many think of it, for they have no need to, but perfectly healthy horses do go every day to the slaughter houses for glue and dog food. Perfectly healthy animals are bred for our use. It is sad, but it seems to be the way of the world. Tell me Suzie, are you a vegetarian? Vegan? How many things in your possession are made from animal goods? Do you read? Did you know that many books are bound with glues made from cow hides? Like baking? Purified bone ash is commonly used to refine sugar. Your carpet, your makeup, your perfumes, the glues that hold your furniture together, the ink on labels. Animal parts are used in a myriad of products we use every day, and yet, you abuse this artistry because you refuse to think about it.

Ever think that maybe this taxidermy isn't butchery, but a celebration of the beauty of these creatures after they have passed on? It captures the imagination. It may even have the effect for many to spur them into thinking of such things as this: are we as humans abusing these creatures? How many creatures have you welcomed into your home to care for, Suzie? Do you try to save the thoroughbred horses with papers of their pedigree that go to slaughter because an owner dies and no one wants to bother? Or do you sit on your computer, intent to spout your short-sighted, little thought over opinions on everyone who doesn't fit in your cozy little box? You say you care, but I doubt you realize the magnitude of what you accuse this artist of.

I'm picking on you, but I mean this a message to everyone who speaks out about anything anywhere with such short-sightedness. You cultivate an even worse image of yourself by stooping to call this person names when you can't think of anything more intelligent to say. Think deeper on every issue from every angle. An attitude toward life that doesn't seek the meaning behind what is visible is a very shallow one indeed.

In all things seek an answer not obvious. Look for the hidden meaning and seek to understand.

And above all, do not seek to judge and dismiss simply because something makes you uncomfortable.


Oh, and please, for the future of us all, let's try to speak like the intelligent people I know we all can be.

[susie]

Your clearly the illiterate one you spelt my name wrong when its right in front of you are you mentally retarted I'm sorry I won't talk to you anymore I know we have to treat your disabilaty differently have a nice day don't lick to many windows today melanie C stands for CUNT ohh wait that's because you are one

[Ben]

"Your" lol

[spaz hater]

susie, i thought you said in january that you had "more important things to do with my time then waste tryin to teach basically an illitorate person the understanding of things." you obviously don't have more important things to do because in august you are still ranting about how we are a bunch of weirdos, and to top it off you decided to make a point by getting vulgar. your such a weird little spaz.