As any shoe collector knows, shoes are more than just leather (or vegan material) and fabric. Each pair we welcome into our closet is an individual, with its own energy and personality. That’s one reason shoe collecting is so compelling (and one reason we built Fantastic Toe).

With that in mind, we are thrilled to present the work of award-winning painter Ellen Rolli in this month’s curated shoe exhibit. Her series of textured and lively shoe paintings very aptly illustrates our “shoe-as-individual” philosophy.

Using bold strokes, rich colors, and intelligent composition, Ellen communicates the essence of each pair of shoes in the exhibit: The purple stilettos — exotically-toned and half-hidden – convey a mysterious and erotic energy; the librarian-esque t-straps, visible head-on, telegraph no-nonsense practicality; the ruby red pumps pop off their blue background, making as bold a statement on canvas as they would on your feet. Each of the other paintings in the series is similarly evocative.

Ellen, who is known informally as the “Shoe Lady”, gathers most of her shoe inspiration from her 24-year-old daughter (a real “shoe nut,” according to Ellen). She typically works in a series, and says that “When painting a particular subject, I become so familiar with the subject matter that I can delve into the excitement of the painting process with confidence and passionate energy. I apply paint generously with a direct, painterly, expressive and intuitive approach. I want my process to show through.”

Ellen’s paintings are no longer on display. For more information about Ellen, visit her website at www.ellenrolli.com.