The chatter about the Ukraine War is thundering, and it feels like everyone is on the bandwagon. Yet, as I listen to it across social media and in conversations, it is clear that most of us know little about this nation. It is unlikely that the conflict will end...
This first appeared in China’s Ningbo Guide Magazine in January 2015 in a monthly column called Just Jinx. Gestation is important to each of us, for we are repeatedly granted the process of developing new life and birthing it into the world. May each of you...
Tribe’s mission statement says exactly what it actually does. No B.S. here, they are the real thing.: Nat Di Maggio & Terry McIlkenny, the owners/managers both share a love and passion for Urban / Street and Contemporary Art. Originally from London...
New Cambodian Artists – NCA We sat in front row seats in the black box theater to experience the recent work of the New Cambodian Artists on Saturday night. It was intense, immediate, personal, moving, skillful, and entrancing. You leave recognizing that you...
Mirage Contemporary Art Space once again illustrated its mission to introduce and highlight the emerging Cambodian art scene. As part of their arresting exhibition of Unsaid Things, រឿងមិនអាចនិយាយ ការតាំងពិរពណ៏ដោយ – An Exhibition by Romcheik 5 Collective –...
I reserved going to Phare Circus until I had learned first hand about their elevating social enterprise, roamed the Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPSA) or “The Brightness of the Arts” campus in Battambang, and befriended teachers, students and some of the countless talented...
It is a delicate dance. Cambodia haunts you as it inspires you. Next door to the abundantly gardened retreat of our home a hotel is being built. According to locals it is owned by a woman who has to start and stop the construction in order to raise the funds to...
I remain astounded by what is happening in Cambodia and tonight the credits go to Batia Sarem Gallery, Martin Phéline, and his guest artists Khvay Samnang and dancer Rady Nget.Not enough can be stated about the courage, skill, and mastery of these artists. Under the...
I spoke at length to a vibrant young man last night. He was a stranger, but only for a moment. He opened up about his life story in which he had literally raised himself, worked many jobs, learned 2 languages, stretched his mind and body, and gained confidence. Yet,...
The role of the US in the disaster of Cambodia. After one month of arriving in Cambodia, I take a day to myself, get caught up with social media, clean the house, and peruse a few books already read for the purpose of trying to answer some questions friends have...
Vanessa Pequeno was pregnant with her new daughter when she made these shoes for the Living Arts Corporation’s Soul Shoe Project. As a young, working parent-to-be she had a lot on her mind. Her thoughts swam backwards and forwards, from her own childhood,...
Students are making Soul Shoes down in Orange Texas, thanks to their teacher Krista Richard. The classroom discussed violence against children around the world and in their own community and decided to create shoes that celebrated their environment in Orange. Moss...
Over the course of my adult life I have taken solo journeys throughout America, sometimes living with the homeless and sometimes following the trials of Native Americans and African American migration. I remain off the beaten path in search of our nation’s...
The first shoes made from the Soul Shoe Project were created by Angela D’Antonio, an international businesswoman, mother of two exceptional sons and an accomplished designer. I am a dreamer who believes in love! I gave some thought to my title and to what came...
She’s spirited, fun-loving,industrious and by all bets one fine teacher. Erin LeBrock from Baytown, Texas connects with children and infuses them with her energy and passion for life and learning. What better Soul Shoe Maker? These are the shoes that would skip...
Witnessing Kathryn Arena with children, whether they be her own grown daughters, her two grandsons or an anonymous child, is to watch ardor, diligence and attention in high form. Kate knows that parenting and learning is not attained by goodwill or chance. It...
I did a soul shoes project with a mixed group of kids. We talked about the ways in which children survive everyday in ways that we could never possibly relate to. They decided it would be cool to create shoes as organically as possible to represent the earth and the...
It would be an injustice to add anything about these Soul Shoes. Lea Ann Gardners own words, and the soles of her beloved flip flops, speak with both hands and hearts for the hearing impaired and deaf children in the world. “I used my own shoes that have...
Mike Sheridan’s allegiance to his son Brody is an amazing thing to witness. Mike, who directs the donation program of the Living Arts Corporation, can be frequently seen trudging up and down the office stairs with large boxes and bags from retailers who donate...
Holly Cagle created Soul Shoes so whimsical and playful, we think she should become a designer. The care, thought, and effort put into these shoes is humbling. Thank you Holly, for thinking of a child and immersing so much of yourself in these shoes. Holly lives...
