Sooke artist’s work displayed on Birkenstock shoes

Doreen Carscadden has only to look down at her feet to see what her artistic vision can accomplish.

The Sooke woman has two new pairs of bespoke Birkenstock sandals, made in Georgia in the U.S., that sport images of her own abstract art work — Summer Breeze and Sunny Daze.

She had seen a call for art from the Michael Grey Sandal Factory on social media last year and then again a few months ago. Accepted art would be used on limited-edition Birkenstocks, a type of sandal she has loved since she was a teenager.

The artist chosen would be a “lucky person to get to do that,” she thought.

Carscadden and her husband looked through her works to find two to submit, choosing two which are colourful combinations of watercolours, acrylic paint and collage.

Images of the art were sent to Grey, who replied in just a couple of hours that he would love to collaborate.

The Michael Grey factory is a certified manufacturer of Birkenstocks, which have their origins in Germany in 1774 when cobbler Johann Adam Birkenstock lived in Langen-Bergheim.

“I was in disbelief. I really couldn’t believe it.”

Carscadden even gets goosebumps now while recounting how the project came to be. “It was such a special thing for me. It was pretty cool.”

Under the agreement, Carscadden received two pairs of custom sandals featuring her art work and a “small commission” for each pair sold. She did not reveal the amount but said it will help purchase more art supplies.

Art plays a major role in Carscadden’s life. “I’ve always done art of some kind.” She had been working as an undewriter at an insurance company but then became unwell several years ago, eventually being diagnosed as having a tick-related illness which left ongoing symptoms including fatigue.

Art took on a greater importance.

“It became more of an outlet for me and I started doing something called art journaling. … It’s a really good coping mechanism.”

She binds books herself, filling them with heavy paper used for drawing, painting and collage. Carscadden is not tied to one medium and may use oils or acrylics for example. Today she has made close to 30 books and has exhibited in local art shows.

Her work borders abstract and realism, she said.

Michael Grey makes just 30 of each design, priced at US$250.

“The neat thing about them is that every pair is going to be just a little bit different,” depending on where the printed leather is cut from, Carscadden said.

Some friends and family members are already owners of Carscadden Birkenstocks. She ordered one pair for her mother’s 85th birthday.

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