“I find great satisfaction and challenge in capturing the energy and emotion that is possible when sculpting the human form.”

Canadian artist Jack Shapiro’s formal education includes degrees in Engineering and Physics with a Doctorate in Metallurgical Science. But he had an interest in art from an early age, some of that encouraged by his childhood neighbor, artist Tutzi Haspel Seguin. She gave classes and had him helping her in her studio. The Art Gallery of Ontario, with its large Henry Moore sculpture collection was another early influence.

Shapiro was introduced to ceramics in the mid-1970's and became hooked to it by the range of possible forms, and also by the modern science that explains this ancient medium, in relation to his professional background in metallurgy. Shapiro's sales support local non-profit organizations like Sarasota Contemporary Dance, where he attends rehearsals for inspiration from their dancers. He took on the challenge of coaxing clay to express the vitality and emotion of dance.