Elisabeth Thorsen

Shoemaker

©Tonje Kornelie

Handmade shoes with a unique twist

Elisabeth's shoes are a combination of art, craft and sculpture
She mixes old and new techniques with second-hand materials
She is very interested in the symbolism of shoes

Elisabeth Thorsen does not simply make shoes: she makes art. Each pair is unique, creative and original, just like their maker. She likes to craft her shoes by experimenting with unusual materials that are not commonly used in traditional shoemaking. She mixes leather with recycled materials derived from furniture, carpets and curtains, as well as using unconventional materials such as ice, sugar and sports tape. Her designs are inspired by folklore, fairytales, nature, art, 70s movies and the Sami culture. “After all these years working with shoes, I still feel like a beginner,” she says. “Shoes are very complicated to make and there is so much to learn, but it’s always fun!”

Interview

©Tonje Kornelie

©Tonje Kornelie

How did you learn to make shoes?: I was trained at a shoemaker school in Norway and also worked in an orthopaedic factory for some years, where I learned different ways to custom-make shoes in extreme shapes. I have also taken several courses with masters from whom I have learned many other techniques.
Is shoemaking linked to where you live?: Østfold county was called the shoe county in the old days. Now there are no factories left, only one small orthopaedic factory, and most of the shoes are made abroad. It's so sad that production is going to other countries; we are losing a lot of skills.
How did you develop your very original style?: I am fond of playing around with different ways of making shoes and I love using materials meant for other purposes. I make functional shoes that are pleasing to the eye and have a strong sculptural concept. I also like to cooperate with traditional craftsmen: woodcarvers, painters and artists.
Do you train apprentices?: I would really like to, but at the moment my workspace is too small. My plan is to give courses on different techniques I have developed. And when I have a bigger workshop, I want to take on apprentices, since it's so difficult finding professionals willing to pass on this craft.

Elisabeth Thorsen is a rising star: she began her career in 2018 and she started teaching in 2015