Lila Stuempfig

We worked on another part of the doc we are making this last weekend. Lila Stuempfig was kind enough to let us interview and film her in her studio across the river from the Philadelphia Art Museum. It was great conversation, and a very inspiring space to be in. Lila began to work at making shoes about 4 years ago. She has persisted over the years, balancing her practice with other work to bring in money. Only recenlty has she quit her other jobs to focus on making shoes. 

She has aquired some very intense skills. And her shoe designs are incredible. It is obvious that she is on her way to establishing herself as a truly unique designer/maker. She also makes jewelery and belts that are very well liked and helps her pay the bills. It is a balancing act, as she is focused on maintaining the qualities that she apprieciates about her work. Scale is something she is not very comfortable with yet. She is determined to grow only as fast as she needs to. 

Lila's interview was really wonderful, and makes us pretty excited to get the film out for others to see. It will be a pretty modest endeavor, focusing on the interviews and a little bit on the spaces the people are working in. Looking forward to filming some more great Philadelphia Folk in the coming month!

(There are also a few shots of Alia Diaz's (Lila's studio mate) remarkable pasta chandelier at the end!)