HEY LOUIE, WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING?
I feel very blessed. Eighth Generation custom shoes (Link to Gallery) are more popular than ever. The artwork I’m completing now was commissioned over 12 months ago, when I stopped taking orders because of the overwhelming demand. As a result, the opportunity to commission Exclusive Customs has become more valuable, and at auction, the “Eighth Generation Exclusive Customs Experience” has sold for up to $1000.00. Additionally, the facebook following is growing by an average of 70 people each day, promising continued interest well into the future.  Nevertheless, I have decided that I want to give my Exclusive Customs away for free - at least for now. 

BUT WHY?
I have been in education and non-profit activism for many years. When I started personalizing shoes for other people, I didn’t see it as a pathway to making money. I saw it as an extension of my activism around identity - a powerful tool for sparking conversations about identity.  By offering my Exclusive Customs for free, I’m using them as a symbolic tether to my core values and experiences while at the same time eliminating money as the number one determinant of who owns my original art.  It will also give me greater control over the direction of my art because I’m going to choose (with your help) who wins.

WHAT’S THE CATCH?
I’m offering my Exclusive Customs as gifts for people whose actions embody the Eighth Generation spirit- a barter for works, vision or courage already paid forward.  So, the only catch is that you’ll have to tell me what you have to barter in 88 words.

HOW DO I ENTER OR NOMINATE?
Read the 88 Words Guidelines (required)  and email me answers to these questions. A photo would be great too. I will collect the nominations and present them in a Facebook album so that other people can show support and maybe get inspired.

Who are you? (8 words)
How have you (or your nominee) demonstrated Eighth Generation Spirit? (80 words max)

SEE THE NOMINEES