
Laura Shapiro
Mixed Media Artist
My current project, "Older Women's Bodies" is designed to highlight both the unique and universal views older women have of their bodies. Based on interviews and photos of older women whom I know, I create larger -than -life paper collages that hang directly on the wall. I use shaped paper bags that most likey will degenerate over time, as will we. This material is also a way to own and proudly redefine the term " old bag." Each piece is not a portrait of a specific woman, but inspired by them. I incorporate ideas from different women and weave my own interpretations into each piece. The work is somewhat unsettled, vulnerable, strong and rough, like a 3-D gesture drawing. My work continues to evolve.
Artists who inspire me include Danh Vo, Alice Neel, Barbara Leoff Burge, Eleanor Antin, Kara Walker and Louise Bourgeois, and unnamed visionary artists.
L. Shapiro, Blue Woman, brown paper collage, gesso,acrylic, 534x 59 x 30 x 6, 2022