Paige Gates Project

In the books we read, I felt a sense of community brought by educators to their students. The Rural Studio, Mockbee built a valuable and useful relationships with students and poverty-stricken townspeople.The first conversations involving students and prospective homeowners was probably tense. First impression had to be quickly overlooked with empathy and understanding as the foremost importance. To create art emphasizing this, I decided feet portraits would be a good example of the uncomfortable first impression. Asking to take photographs of people’s feet for my copper etchings, was somewhat difficult. Many would respond negatively and did not want to participate. Taking off their socks and shoes, I could see they felt vulnerable and embarrassed.  Soon, the shyness turned to giggles, silliness and storytelling. Because of the togetherness formed after the photographic session, I included a set of mugs. I could imagine a group of unique individuals sitting together having a hot beverage, developing relationships by sharing stories of struggle, heartache and joy. The framed print of their feet hangs on the wall. As Laura I. Rendon states they are “practicing forgiveness, compassion, and learning to say., ‘I love you,’ and mean it.”