I balance parallel careers as a fine artist, graphic designer and wearable-art designer. Whether creating a Zen-like two-dimensional image, a three-dimensional package design, or exuberant whimsical jewelry, the ability to make an artistic concept manifest in the physical world is something I do every day.
After receiving a BFA from Boston University School of Fine and Applied Arts, I returned to New York City to pursue a career as a graphic designer. In 1974, I established my own company, Nancy Shapiro Design Consultants, Inc., a firm specializing in package and graphic design. Since 1996 I have divided my time between Napa, California and New York City.
My paintings are inspired by the flora and fauna I am surrounded by on the property where I spend time in Napa as well as the seasonal changes that occur in our magnificent prairies.
A year ago, frustrated by receiving redundant statements from financial institutions in large envelopes I discovered the patterns on the inside of these envelopes and began repurposing them by creating collages. I’ve developed a fascination for the printed patterns inside security envelopes, known as “Inside Tints”;
My collages are created primarily with the black and white patterns.
I began “HappyBracelets”, my wearable art business in 2001 when people became interested in buying the bracelets that I was making for myself.
My preference for fine hand and bath soaps led me to invent and patent an elegantly simple Pebble Pillow® which prolongs the life of the bar of soap, and makes it easy to lift or replace the soap whether wet or dry.
EDUCATION
Boston University, School of Fine and Applied Arts - BFA
The Brooklyn Museum School - Post-Graduate Studies - Sculpture
The International Center of Photography, NYC - Post-Graduate Studies
The Maine Photographic Workshops - Post-Graduate Studies
School of Visual Arts, NYC - Post-Graduate Painting & Packaging Studies
Napa Valley College - Monotype Printing Process
To see list of exhibitions, click here