Shellwork shoe
Artist
Lola Ryan
(1925-2003)
Datec 2001
Object number00037424
NameSculpture
MediumCardboard, fabric, purple corduroy, shells, glitter
DimensionsOverall: 100 x 45 x 30 mm, 0.02 kg
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis minature shoe was designed and made by La Perouse Elder Lola Deli Ryan. It is constructed from a cardboard structure, and covered in purple corduroy decorated with shells in the shape of a flower. Throughout her shellwork career, Lola collected shells from Cronulla Beach, Boat Harbour, Wanda Beach, and even as far south as Wreck Bay.HistoryShellwork - the art of creating 3-dimensional shell covered objects - was practiced by many Koori people of New South Wales from as early as the 1880s as a way of earning income by selling souvenirs. Lola Ryan's parents of La Perouse, Sydney, sold their shellwork at the Royal Easter Show and Sydney's markets in the 1920s. Lola first began creating her own shellwork in 1940 at the age of 15. Her mother taught her to make the shellwork shoes and boxes, and her father taught her to make the bridges, boats and kookaburras. She sold her pieces to tourists visiting Sydney, particularly along the southern beaches.
In 2001, Lola collaborated with Sydney-based art collector Peter Fay to create two contemporary series, 'Australian Maps' and 'Australian Birds', which were exhibited at the Gitte Weise Gallery in November 2001 along with a large collection of Lola's more traditional pieces such as Sydney Harbour Bridges, boomerangs and heart-shaped boxes.SignificanceLola Ryan's shellwork minature shoe is an important example of the Indigenous art of shellwork, which has been practiced by members of the La Perouse Aboriginal community to generate income since the 1880s.