In a unique blend of art and environmental awareness, Laura Shape has taken to hand-stitching luxury leather handbags and creating captivating wall hangings from exotic hides.
Her journey started during the pandemic when, like many, she sought new creative outlets. The initial frustration with the slow stitching process became a stepping stone for her pivot into fine art and leather sculptures.
Based in Denver, Shape found inspiration in the unique textures of leather but faced an ethical dilemma. While fascinated by exotic leather, Shape wrestled with concerns of using animal skins for art.
The turning point came when she learned about the growing population of invasive Burmese pythons in Florida.
These snakes threaten local ecosystems by preying on native species, leading to discussions about their removal. Shape recognized that using the skins of these snakes could honor them while shining a light on the issues surrounding invasive species.
“They must be removed. They have to be killed,” Shape explains, highlighting the inherent risks posed by these snakes.
Rather than waste the skins, she began incorporating them into her artwork, creating impressive sculptures and paintings that draw attention to environmental imbalances.
In addition to python skins, Shape utilizes invasive lionfish and carp from various ecosystems, including the Atlantic Ocean and the Mississippi River Basin.
In an exclusive conversation, Shape elaborated on her sourcing methods for these unique materials.
“When they come to me, they’re already processed into leather, so I don’t handle the raw skins,” she said.
Her collaboration with Amy Siewe, a professional python huntress, has been instrumental. Siewe skins the animals and sends the hides to a tannery, converting them into leather for artists like Shape.
Shape also partners with Inversa, an ethical leather supplier specializing in invasive species.
Inversa acts responsibly in environmental efforts while serving primarily the fashion industry, which often faces criticism for mistreatment of animals.
Shape is currently the only visual artist associated with Inversa, a testament to her unique approach.
Curious about the possibility of utilizing skins from invasive species in Colorado, Shape acknowledged the interest but indicated the challenge of finding ethically processed materials.
She hopes her supplier may expand to include other animals in the future.
The diversity of materials influences the artistic process significantly.
Shape noted, “The leather from a lionfish has tiny little scale pockets where the scales of the fish would have been, but the skins of the carp are enormous, to the point where I could fit my whole finger in there.”
This variance among animals leads to unique challenges and effects on her artwork, particularly in how different types of skin absorb acrylic paint.
While her materials hold serious ecological implications, Shape chooses to engage viewers in a colorful and alluring way.
“These animals are a disaster… Most artwork that raises awareness for disasters like this tends to be angry and dark and miserable, and I think the world has enough of that,” she remarked.
Instead, she aims to create vibrant works that leave an impactful impression, compelling viewers to appreciate the beauty within the tragedy.
Shape is currently featured in a virtual exhibition titled Under the Sea, presented by Moku Art Studio.
This exhibition, endorsed by UNESCO as part of the Ocean Decade initiative, showcases the work of 13 global artists and emphasizes ecological awareness in the arts.
As she looks to the future, Shape expresses her desire to expand her artistic practice.
She will be speaking at the Society for Ecological Restoration conference in Denver, taking place from September 30 to October 4, where she will discuss the power of art in raising awareness for environmental issues.
In addition to speaking engagements, she is developing a significant three-piece carp series, which she hopes to unveil in the coming months.
Shape envisions creating larger-scale works that utilize more invasive species, enabling her to amplify the environmental message.
Her ultimate ambition includes producing art for hotels, resorts, airports, cruise lines, and hospitals, solidifying her role as an artist committed to both beauty and ecological responsibility.
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