Lauren Shapiro: Visual Artist

Many things are temporary, but plants? Plants are forever. 

From trees that took root hundreds of years ago, to the weeds that peek through city sidewalks, artists like Lauren Shapiro find inspiration in plants of all shapes and sizes. 

“When I think about plants, I think about imagination. I think about possibilities. I think about being transported to a different time or place.”

Living in the suburbs made Lauren realize how modernization has created a rift between people and plants, one that she wants to help mend. 

“Spending time in the Florida wilderness and then going back into the city and having that separation really made me want to connect people to the plant world, connect people to nature.”

Part of Lauren’s goal with her work is to highlight the diversity and history of the Florida flora and fauna, since that natural landscape is her biggest inspiration. However, seeing the negative changes that are happening over time in her local environment is disheartening to her and many others in the community. 

She’s observed that, because of this anxiety about the changing world, people are drawn to plants more and more to feel more in touch with nature again. 

“From what I've seen, from the way people react to the work, the way people behave out in nature…plants create this soothing moment. It makes people feel a little bit more connected to nature.”

Shot and edited by Jacopo Fantastichini.

Produced by Laura Christian.

Music by Fabrizio Bondi.

Find more from Lauren on her website.