The Cobbler by Rob Baker

Noticing holes in his beloved jodhpur boots, purchased in 1955, my father-in-law related that the last shoe shop in his West Virginia town had closed years ago.  We offered to take his boots to a cobbler in Waynesboro, Virginia on our way home.  Returning to pick up the resoled boots, I asked the cobbler if he would pause for a picture next to his vintage RAPID E sewing machine.  I was impressed not only with the quality of work, but with his passion and love for the trade as well.  I certainly never envisioned that a pair of circa 1955 jodhpur boots would lead me on the photographic journey that is this exhibit. It was this artisan, in this photograph, at that particular moment, that inspired me to pursue capturing artisans performing their trades and showcase them in this exhibit.