ABOUT THE WORK

Lauren Shapiro brings to life a striking ceramic mural, meticulously crafted with cast fruits, corals, shells, and flora serving as diverse clay textures. These elements are layered across a series of richly glazed modular sculptures. Through this work, Shapiro sheds light on how South Florida's unique subtropical climate fosters an array of plant species. She also reflects on the rich agricultural history of Lemon City-Boles Town, which thrived with citrus groves and tropical fruit trees in the late 19th century.

Her work, "Three Rivers," draws inspiration from Lemon City's historical narrative. The area is named after pioneers Elijah and Rosa Boles, one of the original families to settle in Lemon City after relocating from Lake City. Today, no commercial fruit orchards or citrus groves remain. However, the legacy of its past lives on through fruit trees scattered in backyards, cooperatives, and public parks.

In a bid to construct this masterpiece, Shapiro employs a collaborative process with clay. She invites the community to participate actively in the artwork's creation, pressing clay into silicone molds of leaves. This participatory approach draws even greater awareness to South Florida's ecological history, standing in stark contrast to the region's rapid urban development.