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Kirsten Horning: The Shoe Show
Exhibition and Reception: November 26, 2011
 
More About the Artists:
Kirsten Horning
For Immediate Release:
The Shoe Show
For most women, a favorite pair of shoes can evoke a host of associations that tug at special memories and fantasies. It’s no different for Seaside artist, Kirsten Horning, and now she’s carved out her fascination with shoes in a new series of woodblock prints. Each print in the series features a beloved pair of shoes holding special meaning for the artist, and together they make up The Shoe Show, a featured exhibit at RiverSea Gallery opening November 26, and on display through December 27.
On Saturday, November 26, RiverSea Gallery is hosting a festive event from 4:00 to 8:00 pm to celebrate the opening of The Shoe Show. And because shoes call for accessories, all who attend will be treated to a Wearable Art Trunk Show featuring several different artisan designers and jewelers. Some of the wearable art brought in will be only available during the event. Judith Altruda will be showing some of her truly amazing new jewelry incorporating ancient coins, and Barbara Setsu Pickett will debut new colors and designs of her gorgeous Mihara Shibori scarves. RiverSea Gallery will also be introducing works by two Portland designers: elegantly draped jewelry by Katy Kippen and fantastically fun felted accessories by LeBrie Rich of Penfelt. A reception honoring Kirsten Horning will be held beginning at 6:00 pm, and an assortment of delightful snacks and champagne will be offered throughout the entire event. All are encouraged to wear a fabulous pair of shoes and join the party!
Kirsten Horning has had an ongoing obsession with printmaking for over 15 years, since she took a class in the subject at Clatsop Community College. Hooked ever since, she has produced monotypes and etchings, but is most passionate about the woodcut process. The original fine art prints in The Shoe Show are reduction woodblock prints. Each is created using a single block that is printed and carved in multiple color layers. With each layer, more of the block is carved away and after finishing the original edition, it is impossible to reprint the series. This is why they are sometimes called suicide prints!
Each small print lovingly depicts a pair of shoes the artist has actually owned or that she has admired from afar. For Horning, as for many people, certain shoes can bring on a flood of memory and emotions. She notes that, “Seeing a pair of saddle oxfords can take me back to childhood, brimming with excitement at being able to tie the laces of my new shoes on the first day of school. A pair of black patent flats can bring to mind the immense satisfaction at buying a pair of “just because” shoes with my first real paycheck - the ones I bought not because I needed them, but just because they felt and looked good!”
The Shoe Show reminds us of the importance shoes have in our lives, of the memories and dreams they can carry. Along with their utilitarian role, they offer a fabulous opportunity for self-expression. Anyone who’s ever had a special relationship with a favorite pair of shoes at some time or other should indulge themselves by taking in The Shoe Show.
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