Erik Martin Lawart

Shoemaker

Johana Posova©Michelangelo Foundation

Shoes from stories and history

Erik Martin's studio is in the heart of Prague
A carpenter by trade, he has turned his hand to shoemaking
He crafted an exact replica of poulaines

Erik Martin Lawart was about 12 years old when he made his very first shoes: the Indian moccasins described in E.T. Seton's book "Two Little Savages". From then on, he made himself many cowboy and Indian accessories, which were scarce in socialist Czechoslovakia. "It was romantic but complicated. In those times, to find the right material or tools equalled winning a jackpot. Yet thanks to this, I became more self-sufficient and inventive." These qualities have definitely paid off. Although his qualifications are as a carpenter, today he is one of the most prominent shoemakers in the Czech Republic. In his work, he mostly sticks to the time-proven Renaissance methods resulting in exclusive bespoke shoes, which leave clients in awe.

Interview

Johana Posova©Michelangelo Foundation

Johana Posova©Michelangelo Foundation

What do you consider your strengths?: I'm pretty self-dependent. Shoemaking requires other crafts, such as woodworking, toolmaking, wax preparing and ergonomy. And thanks to a lot of time spent trying and learning things on my own, I'm more or less able to cover everything I need myself.
What do you find inspiring in your work?: Luckily, the world is filled with masters in the field. I have been privileged to meet many, for example at the championships in shoemaking. But my main inspiration is history. I'm very fond of the journals of shoemakers from the period around 1900.
How do you approach your craft?: For me, shoemaking is an applied art. I'm incarnating visions. I love the moments of silence beyond time and space when the only thing that exists is here and now. And I cherish the opportunity of learning and exploring the old production techniques.
Do you train apprentices?: I do, but only occasionally. The only one who stuck with me is my current colleague, Aneta Gretzová. The moment she entered my workshop is memorable: her certainty and determination to become a shoemaker were fiery. At last, I felt someone shared my fascination.

Erik Martin Lawart is a master artisan: he began his career in 1995 and he started teaching in 2015