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About Laura Shape

Laura Shape: Environmental Artist Transforming Invasive Species into Fine Art

Laura Shape creates fine art that transforms environmental challenges into beauty through an innovative approach: using the invasive species themselves as her medium. Her sophisticated abstract paintings don't just raise awareness about ecosystem threats - they actively help solve them. 

As the only fine artist creating with INVERSA's invasive lionfish and carp leathers, and working directly with python hunters in Florida, her work demonstrates how creativity can reshape our relationship with environmental problems.

 

Environmental Impact Through Art

Each artwork transforms destruction into beauty while directly contributing to ecosystem restoration:

  • Each lionfish skin used in an artwork represents protection for up to 70,000 native reef fish and supports the livelihoods of 42M+ people dependent on healthy coral reefs
  • Each python hide used represents protection for up to 460 native animals and supports 39 endangered species in the 11.5-million-acre Greater Everglades ecosystem
  • Carp leather artworks support the Mississippi River Basin's 120+ native freshwater species and help protect a $500B economy supporting 1.5M livelihoods

Shape's innovative process transforms invasive species materials into museum-quality abstract paintings and sculptures, proving that even our most challenging environmental problems contain the seeds of beautiful solutions.

 

Artistic Innovation & Technique

Shape expands the legacy of material innovation in abstract art by using unexpected materials to create both beauty and environmental impact.

Her work explores the unique textures and patterns of each species, transforming these destructive invaders through sophisticated color theory and composition into pieces that captivate both visually and conceptually. This distinctive technique has earned recognition including a Juror's Award from a Fellow at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.

 

Collection Development

Collectors can participate in this transformation of invasion into innovation through:

  • Museum-scale original paintings
  • Limited edition prints supporting species-specific conservation
  • Custom installations for corporate and institutional spaces

See available artwork

 

Recognition and Impact

2023 - Juror’s Award winner. (Juror: Anna Davis, Fellow at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center ), "Breaking Ground: Art about the Earth"

2022 - Special Recognition for the 3 Dimensional Category (Jurors: Chris and Valerie Hoffman, gallery owners), "Nature"

Works held in private collections throughout the United States

See Awards & Exhibitions

 

Available For

  • Museum and institutional acquisitions
  • Corporate collection development
  • Environmental impact investments
  • Conservation-focused commissions
  • Speaking engagements about art and innovation

Explore how Laura Shape’s work can elevate your collection or sustainability mission. Contact for acquisitions, commissions, and private viewings.

Frequently Asked Questions 

About the Art and Process

About the Invasive Species

Environmental Impact

Purchasing and Viewing the Art