Kicks So Fly

KICKS SO FLY - Lex Bissinger

For my IAR 221-12 definitive object, I chose shoes. Now I realize that shoes may seem commonplace and typical, however deeper probing into the meanings, details, and connotations of shoes reveals many traits and underlying qualities that I hold true to myself. To begin with their appearance, I can draw several comparisons to my own personality. Firstly, the various colors and designs and structures of shoes illuminate the diversity of my interests and personality. I have my bright times and my dark times, just as I do things that are flashy and exciting, or sometimes more reserved and refined. I have shoes for all different activities that I participate in, such as sports, church, the beach, and much more. This also ties into the cultural and subcultural contexts of shoes. I love to shop, and be out with friends, presenting myself, and being colorful and diverse. My shoes mean a lot to me because they represent a culture of leisure, privilege, and ability. I am blessed to have what I do have, and my shoes are a symbol of my light hearted and appreciative qualities. Possibly the strongest comparisons that I am able to draw to the shoes are metaphorical. Firstly, I trudge through any challenge now matter how painful, until I have depleted myself to a state of tattered exhaustion. I tend to push my limits, and wear myself out, down to the "Soul". I walk many a path, known or unknown every day, always experiencing new ground beneath me, and new burdens to bear. I love to carry the burdens of my friends, and go the distance for my friends and family, no matter how far. If my skin was leather, my 'soul' was rubber, and my body bordered by flashy stitching, I'd be a shoe for sure.