Lauren Shapiro
February 2024
Sculpture
Miami, FL
Lauren Shapiro is a visual artist based in Miami who integrates ceramics and technology to discover and share insights into the natural world. Shapiro completed her MFA in Ceramics from the University of Miami in 2016. She has received grant awards and commissions from organizations such as the New York Foundation for the Arts, Knight Foundation, Andy Warhol Foundation, Oolite Arts, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, and Art in Public Places.
She frequently collaborates with scientists, resulting in projects that are deeply influenced by the nuanced ecosystems of South Florida and beyond. Among her solo exhibitions are "Future Pacific" (2021) at Miami's Bakehouse Art Complex, "Garden Portals" (2021) at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and "Fragile Terrains" (2018) at Bianca Boekel Galeria in São Paulo, Brazil. Selected group showcases include "Design Miami" (2021) with Todd Merrill Studio, "Powder Hounds" (2020) at Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Aspen, and "Projektraum M54" (2017) in Basel, Switzerland.
Shapiro is currently an artist-in-residence at Bakehouse Art Complex in Miami. She's involved with a National Science Foundation grant for marine ecologists at California State University, Northridge. Her artwork is in the Soho House Art Collection and Jorge M. Perez Collection.
BIO
“Growing up on the edge of the Everglades in a South Florida suburb, I was conscious of the division between Florida's wild terrains and sprawling urban development. This contrast fuels my passion for exploring ways to harmonize nature with human existence through art.
As a ceramic artist, I blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary technology, melding precision with organic handcraft. I transform detailed snapshots of ecosystems into tangible sculptures and installations using digital fabrication and ceramic molds, reimagining life's fleeting moments. My creative process involves deep research, collaborations with scientists, and firsthand explorations of habitats. Employing 3D scans and non-toxic silicone castings of textures blended with geometric and classical motifs, I create artworks that reflect our intrinsic bond with the biosphere and its collective human history.
Through public engagement in building monumental art installations, I invite people into the narrative to foster a sense of environmental stewardship and emphasize our symbiotic relationship with these ecosystems. As an explorer motivated by my excursions on land and underwater, I strive to connect multi-faceted inspirations from nature with envisioned futures, emphasizing the deep connection between individuals and the surrounding natural world.”
STATEMENT
How Do You Define Innovative Storytelling? How Can This Innovation Be Used As A Tool To Educate, Preserve, And Celebrate The Natural Environment?
“Innovative storytelling combines time-honored traditions with modern possibilities, reviving collective memories to address today's global challenges. Central to my practice is ceramics—an ancient medium that chronicles societies, cultures, and their deep ties to Earth. My work highlights this relationship with the environment, emphasizing its profound impact on humanity. Building upon this foundation of traditional storytelling, I infuse innovation into my methodology. I use 3D scanning to capture remote landscapes, integrating these replicas into my ceramic artwork. This sustainable method enables me to represent ecosystems without extraction.
By presenting these digital models as sculptures and immersive installations, I invite audiences to experience often-inaccessible habitats by blending traditional and contemporary techniques. My community-focused projects underscore the importance of education and access, aiming to make preserved natural wonders accessible to all. By merging art with science, I strive to immerse diverse communities in a deeper understanding of these habitats. In this endeavor, I hope to foster a space where discussions on disparities in environmental access and advocacy naturally emerge and prompt action.”