The Social Lives of Shoes

The Social Lives of Shoes

By Footwear Research NetworkSociety & CultureDocumentary
Download on the App Store

The Social Lives of Shoes episodes

  • 2. Storytelling Through Shoes: Art, Activism and Social Change with Jo Cope

    In this episode of the Social Lives of Shoes with Dr. Alexandra Sherlock, contemporary fashion artist Jo Cope joins us to explore shoes as powerful vessels for storytelling and social change. From her collaborative project with Shelter addressing homelessness to her evocative twisted stilettos embodying feminist struggles, Jo reveals how craft and performance art can create empathy and drive meaningful dialogue. We discuss her therapeutic making process, the political power of red shoes, and how footwear can connect communities through shared experience. Jo shares insights from teaching ethical social practice and her current reflections on using art to navigate our challenging political climate—all through the humble yet profound medium of shoes.

    Credits:

    Interviewee: Jo Cope
    Interviewer & Presenter: Dr. Alexandra Sherlock
    Editor: Dr. Alexandra Sherlock

    Podcast Photograph: 

    Links & Images:

    Available at Footwear Research Network

    Chapters:

    1. 00:00 - Show Intro
    2. 00:47 - Episode Intro: Jo Cope
    3. 02:55 - The Power of Shoes as Storytellers
    4. 04:29 - Jo Cope's Artistic Journey and Philosophy
    5. 06:52 - An unexpected Trojan horse
    6. 08:19 - Personal Experiences with Shoes
    7. 10:28 - Educational Journey and Training
    8. 15:21 - Family Legacy
    9. 16:39 - Social Justice and Community Engagement through Shoes and Art
    10. 20:16 - Shoes Have Names: Jo Cope x Shelter
    11. 27:22 - Exploring Femininity and Feminism through Shoes
    12. 32:27 - The Colour Red and Taking up Space
    13. 34:54 - Movement and Performance in Shoe Design
    14. 37:11 - Transformative Experiences Through Shoes
    15. 40:03 - Collectivism and Connection Through Interactive Art
    16. 41:45 - Social Connection and Authentic Storytelling
    17. 45:47 - Hand Craft vs. Digital Technology in Shoe Making
    18. 50:32 - The Importance of Reflection in Creative Practice
    19. 52:53 - Teaching Ethical Social Practice
    20. 56:42 - Social Practice as Collaborative Learning
    21. 58:35 - Future Plans and the Creative Process
    22. 01:00:51 - Conclusion

    www.footwearresearchnetwork.org

    1 hr 3 min
  • 1. Bespoke Insights with Gabriele Gmeiner

    What motivates people to commission a bespoke pair of shoes? What insights does the bespoke model offer into the importance of storytelling, customer loyalty, supply chain transparency, and design for repair? These questions, and more, are explored in this interview with bespoke shoemaker Gabriele Gmeiner in her Venice workshop.

    Chapters: 

    1. 00:00 - Show intro
    2. 01:00 - Episode Overview
    3. 03:19 - Journey to Bespoke Shoemaking
    4. 08:16 - Craftsmanship and Materiality
    5. 10:47 - The Story Behind Each Shoe
    6. 16:44 - Understanding the Customer's Needs
    7. 19:05 - The Value of Bespoke Shoes
    8. 27:25 - The Future of Shoemaking
    9. 32:10 - Cultural Identity and Craftsmanship
    10. 37:00 - Walking in Venice: A Unique Experience
    11. 42:52 - Outro and Acknowledgement of Country

    www.footwearresearchnetwork.org

    44 min

About The Social Lives of Shoes

From the publisher's feed

What if shoes could speak? The Social Lives of Shoes explores one of the most underestimated aspects of consumer culture through conversations with the people who design, make, study, and wear…