On Friday Shoetube fixated on artsy ideas to spice up your footwear routines. In keeping with that theme, allow me to introduce Ellen Rolli, an artist participating in this weekend’s SOWA Art Walk.

Ellen Rolli is not interested in photo realism. Instead her acrylic paintings depict abstract impressions of people, objects, and landscapes. They illustrate the elusive texture of memories where certain details dominate our attention and others blur into the background.

Recently, her work has revolved around shoes that evoke aspects of their absent owners. The tan insole of a stiletto echoes the sultry arch of a woman’s bare back.  Tango shoes (such as the one to the right) gracefully glide through the close embrace of the frame.

She has a wide variety of subjects available, everything from flip flops to vintage pumps, in canvas sizes that will fit a South End single bedroom or a loft in Lowell. When I stopped by her studio (#229 at 450 Harrison Ave…right down the hall from Paul Walcott, a fascinating furniture designer) a few weeks ago, she revealed that she is also willing to explore requests for commissions from other people. Be sure to leave room for her artistic vision, however, as she is hesitant about clients who have rigid expectations.

While you are at SOWA Art WAlk,  be sure to stop by Mobius (725 Harrison Ave) too. David Chin will be photographing people’s shoes for his upcoming installation in The Politics of Shoes. Oh, and Shoetube’s Fitness Footwear Guru will also be performing in The Politics of Shoes but I will save that story for another day.

Frog sculpture found on a walk

I have been trotting around town as part of a choreography fellowship sponsored in part by a grant from the Somerville Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Today I spotted a guitar and several beat up buoys hanging in a tree and a frog sculpture installed in a downspout. Who knows what you might discover.

And if you are looking to stretch your creativity as you tone your thighs, you should dash over to the SOWA Art Walk on May 16th and 17th from 11 – 6. You will be sure to get a workout wandering through all the studios, galleries, open air stalls, and brand new SOWA antiques market.

Stiletto, an acrylic shoe portrait by Ellen Rolli

Even if your wallet has gotten somewhat scrawny in this uncertain economy (Can you believe tickets to the Met Costume Gala cost $7500?), this fabulous, free fete will fit in everyone’s budget.

Oh, and there are plenty of ways to feed your footwear fixation. Between one of a kind vintage finds at Bobby from Boston’s, eccentric accessories in the Bead and Fiber fashion show, and Ellen Rolli’s acrylic portraits of stilettos, cowboy boots and flip flops, you will have plenty of reasons to roam through the funky brick buildings. Check back on Tuesday and I will introduce you to one of the artists and perhaps let you know how to get your kicks included in an upcoming exhibit.