Sukey Starkey’s “Bejeweled” transforms a pair of boots into a dazzling spectacle reminiscent of stained glass. This intricately designed artwork is covered in a rich texture and vibrant mosaic patterns that captivate and enchant. Featuring colorful depictions of seahorses, octopuses, crabs, and sea grass, each element is meticulously crafted to shimmer and shine, mimicking the light-refractive qualities of real glass. “Bejeweled” is not just a tribute to the aquatic life of the Chesapeake Bay but a celebration of the artistry and creativity that flourish in Virginia’s River Realm.

About Watermen’s Way

Watermen’s Way is a public art project honoring the Watermen and Waterwomen of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Sponsored by Virginia’s River Realm in conjunction with Lancaster by the Bay Chamber of Commerce, this project benefits the Virginia Watermen’s Association, Steamboat Era Museum, and the RAL Art Center.

These oversized, fiberglass boots are iconic items for the men and women who make their living on the water. Used by the seafood industry across the world, here in the Chesapeake Bay, they have nicknames like “Guinea Slippers,” “Tangier Tennis Shoes,” “Red Balls,” or “Bubba Boots.” Each sculpture is personalized by a local artist, drawing from themes that reflect the lives of the people who work the water, harvesting crabs, oysters, and fish from the Bay, rivers, and creeks.