Liam's Shoes
When we took our son for his first proper walking shoe fitting we were given a “First Shoes” instant Polaroid photograph of the moment. Throughout infancy family and friends of all babies and young children are often amazed by the ordinary rapid change and growth of a child. So it is no surprise that we all do our best to record and remember each change and freeze important moments; first smile, first steps, first Christmas and so on.
A whole industry and culture has developed around this; mugs with your child’s hand and foot prints, special albums and journals where locks of hair, notes and images can be collected. In the digital age it is also easy to “share” such memories online or produce custom printed books and calendars. Photography is an important aspect of the culture of preserving memories, as are physical reminders such as hair and the imprints of tiny feet and hands.
The rapid pace of change seemed to me to be embodied in the frequent need for new shoes as Liam grew and developed quickly. Each pair was quickly worn out or grown out of. Some were hardly used while other favourites were battered and worn out before being set aside. Some have particular associations with passing seasons, events and memories. So I have begun to keep and photograph Liam’s shoes. Like Liam, this is a work in progress.
©Angela Stapleford
A whole industry and culture has developed around this; mugs with your child’s hand and foot prints, special albums and journals where locks of hair, notes and images can be collected. In the digital age it is also easy to “share” such memories online or produce custom printed books and calendars. Photography is an important aspect of the culture of preserving memories, as are physical reminders such as hair and the imprints of tiny feet and hands.
The rapid pace of change seemed to me to be embodied in the frequent need for new shoes as Liam grew and developed quickly. Each pair was quickly worn out or grown out of. Some were hardly used while other favourites were battered and worn out before being set aside. Some have particular associations with passing seasons, events and memories. So I have begun to keep and photograph Liam’s shoes. Like Liam, this is a work in progress.
©Angela Stapleford
