Crystal Coral Lamps

2022. glazed ceramic and porcelain LEDs that range from 12" -16" in height.

Lauren Shapiro seamlessly blends technology and craftsmanship to create unique sculptures and installations. These pieces strikingly illustrate the topography of endangered ecosystems. Utilizing both traditional techniques like mold making, casting, and hand-building with clay, along with advanced digital fabrication methods, she crafts awe-inspiring art pieces.

Since 2018, Shapiro has been actively collaborating with scientists to emphasize the impact of human actions on our environment. By turning 3D models from scientific archives into physical models through 3D printing, she accurately depicts living corals. These models form the base of her artwork, allowing her to portray coral reefs in a compelling yet non-destructive manner.

Shapiro partners with reputable institutions like MEGA LAB, California State University Northridge, and the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History and Digitization Program Office. These collaborations facilitate the creation of immersive online experiences showcasing coral and reef-dwelling specimens. Through her work, she underlines the crucial research being conducted on ecosystems that serve as habitats for a quarter of all marine biodiversity.

Shapiro’s Crystal Coral Lamps were featured in the group exhibition “Fragile Beauty,” commissioned by the Jewish Museum of South Florida, 2022. Read more about the exhibition here.