Ethereal Craftsmanship: A Sculptor’s Vision in Alabaster and Light of Joel Shapses
by Viviana Puello.
Joel Shapses, an artist of exceptional talent, invites us to explore the silent dialogue between his works and our internal narratives. Shapses’ sculptures are not just objects of visual delight; they are conversations in stone, metal, and light. Each piece resonates with the unique capacity to touch, move, and inspire, provoking thought and awakening the spirit.
Joel Shapses – Top Featured Artist.
In the realm of sculpture, Shapses stands as a master of emotional alchemy, transforming raw materials into expressive forms that speak to the intricacies of the human condition. His work is a testament to the power of art to communicate beyond words and to connect with the viewer on a deeply personal level. His pieces, rooted in inspiration from nature, spirituality, and personal emotions, embody a rare authenticity that captures the viewer’s gaze and refuses to let go.
The creative journey of Shapses is as multifaceted as his sculptures. Each creation is a culmination of a profound dialogue with the materials at his disposal, shaped by the emotions and thoughts of the moment. His sculptures, ranging from the ethereal translucence of honeycomb calcite to the solid permanence of marble, reflect a spectrum of experiences and perspectives.
Shapses’ “Eternal Energy,” a sculpture of honeycomb calcite, glows with an inner fire, the light playing through its translucent layers, symbolizing the enduring power of the human spirit. In contrast, “L’Amour, Ça Compte” in marble is a study of permanence, its smooth, flowing lines speaking of the timeless nature of love and connection. And in “Helter Skelter,” crafted in aluminum, we see a playful yet precise balance, a metaphor for the chaos and order that define our lives.
The alchemy of Shakespeare’s artistry lies in his ability to make the intangible tangible. The sculptures act as mirrors reflecting our own experiences, allowing us to see the unseen within ourselves and provoking us to contemplate the deeper meanings of existence. His work is an invitation to pause, reflect, and rediscover the wonder that art can instill in our daily lives.
Joel Shapses’ gallery is a sanctuary where the confluence of skill, vision, and passion is palpable. His sculptures are more than mere objects; they are the embodiment of thought and feeling cast in stone, metal, and light. They demand engagement, asking the viewer not just to look but to see, not just to touch but to feel.
The artistry of Shapses is a journey through the senses, where each sculpture becomes a waypoint in an exploration of self and substance. His works stand as landmarks in the landscape of contemporary sculpture, guiding us through the terrain of emotion and experience with the surety of a master sculptor.
“Angela” by Frank “Chip” Mayes.
“L’amour, ça compte” Marble by Joel Shapses.
“Eternal Energy” Honeycomb Calcite by Joel Shapses.
As an art critic, I encourage you to engage with the works of Joel Shapses. Allow yourself to be drawn into the dance of shadow and light, form and formlessness, and to partake in the silent yet profound conversation between artist and audience. And for those who wish to delve deeper into the world of this remarkable artist, I invite you to click below and immerse yourself in the universe of Joel Shapses’ creations, where each sculpture awaits you to share its story with you.
Viviana Puello
Editor-in-Chief
