The artwork — My Podologie
The Walking Man
A monumental Corten-steel sculpture by Lydie Arickx, installed at the heart of our premises. Born from a single cutting line, it embodies a company that moves forward — step by step, alongside chiropodists-podiatrists.
One work, one story
The project
At My Podologie, every step counts. Since our earliest days we have moved forward with one strong conviction: to support chiropodists-podiatrists in their daily practice by offering professional, reliable equipment suited to their needs. That idea of movement, progress and commitment is now embodied in a powerful work: The Walking Man.
The Walking Man is made of Corten steel, a raw, living material whose appearance changes over time. Its warm, deep tone gives it a singular presence — at once industrial, organic and timeless. Starting from a simple A4 drawing, the sculpture now spans 4 metres wide, 2.40 metres high and weighs 1.8 tonnes.
Its distinctive feature: it comes from a single cutting line. Like a mille-feuille of metal, it unfolds in bas-relief, layer after layer — one continuous line that becomes silhouette, material, volume and presence.
From drawing to metal
The fabrication steps
A long, meticulous work of precision that took nearly two months. From the first line to the metal in motion, each step was designed to preserve the strength and finesse of the original drawing.
- Step 1
The drawing
Everything begins with an A4 drawing: a single, continuous line drawn by Lydie Arickx. It is this line — both powerful and delicate — that will give birth to the whole silhouette.
- Step 2
Plasma cutting
The shape is cut directly into the Corten plate using plasma — a process as technical as it is meticulous, where every move counts. César, the artist’s son, played an important role at this stage, giving substance to the drawing while respecting the strength and finesse of the line.
- Step 3
Welding & assembly
The various parts are then welded with the help of an engineer, to keep the right gaps between the plates and preserve the balance, depth and visual effect of the work.
- Step 4
Installation
Its 1.8 tonnes finally take their place within My Podologie. Once lit, the sculpture reveals its full dimension and becomes a landmark at the heart of our premises.
- Step 5
The patina of time
Corten steel keeps evolving: its tone transforms with the seasons. The work is alive — never quite the same from one year to the next.
Between shadow, light and depth
The Walking Man reaches its full dimension when lit. Thanks to the gaps between the Corten plates, light passes through the sculpture and creates a play of cast shadows. Depending on the angle, the intensity of the light and the point of view, the work seems to change — gaining depth, relief and movement. The figure is not static: it advances, it crosses the space, it invites the eye to follow its motion.
The artist
Lydie Arickx
Painter & sculptor
Born in 1954 to parents of Flemish origin, Lydie Arickx trained at the School of Higher Graphic Arts in Paris before exhibiting from the late 1970s. A painter and sculptor, she has built a powerful, visceral body of work acclaimed in France and internationally.
Settled in the Landes region since 1991, she works there on large formats and monumental sculpture. Her projects notably include taking over the Château de Biron in the Dordogne (2018) and the “Arborescences” exhibition at the Château de Chambord (2021). It is that same demand for gesture and material that runs through The Walking Man.
www.lydiearickx.comWhat it tells
The symbol of a company moving forward
For My Podologie, this work carries a strong meaning: that of a company in constant motion, one that evolves, structures itself, innovates and advances in step with its customers’ needs.
In the chiropodist-podiatrist’s profession, the step is central: it is observed, analysed, corrected, supported. It speaks of balance, posture, movement, sometimes pain, often progress. This sculpture therefore resonates naturally with our world.
It also reminds us that a company never advances in a single leap, but step by step — with rigour, patience and consistency. At My Podologie, we move forward every day alongside our customers — and now, that momentum has a form.