Turning stone and steel into art: A look inside Joel Shapses' studio

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK) — For more than five decades, Naples sculptor Joel Shapsis has transformed raw materials into striking works of art that can be found in private collections and public spaces across North and South America.

Before becoming a full-time artist, Shapses balanced his passion for sculpture with a successful career in dentistry, eventually retiring to focus entirely on creating art. 

Today, visitors to his studio and gallery in the Naples Art District can experience firsthand how science, craftsmanship, and creativity come together in his work.

Guests can also take a tour through the studio and gallery, where dozens of Shapses' signature works showcase his unique approach to sculpture. His collection includes abstract forms, realistic figures, and innovative mixed media pieces that blend traditional stone carving with modern materials. 

One of his newest works involves neon colors. Light plays a major role in many of Shapses' creations. He is known for incorporating neon into his sculptures, using illumination to add movement, color, and emotion.

One of the featured pieces in the studio is "Tower of Color," a large-scale work that explores the relationship between composition, scale, and vibrant color. The sculpture demonstrates how Shapses continues to experiment with new ideas and materials even after decades of artistic success.

He is also known for his mixed media, such as combining glass and stone.

For those wanting a hands-on experience, Shapses offers opportunities to explore stone sculpting techniques. Participants can learn how artists shape and refine stone while gaining an appreciation for the patience and precision the craft demands.

Visitors can see unusual stones, including 500-million-year-old honeycomb calcite and black Portoro marble, as well as clay, reclaimed objects, and found materials. Through demonstrations and finished works, Shapses shows how these materials can be transformed into sculptures that tell stories and spark curiosity. " These pieces of art are a reflection of my soul. I didn't know that I could do any of this until college, when I took a class."

In college, Shapses studied to become a dentist. He worked as a dentist for over 40 years while also displaying his art in the office. " I use my dental tools now to sculpt some of the stones."

His most unique piece? " We were told in school to mold teeth. I decided to do something bigger and made an atomically accurate tooth out of marble. I even won an award."

From ancient stones and reclaimed materials to neon light and welded aluminum, Joel Shapses continues to push the boundaries of sculpture while inspiring visitors to see art in unexpected places.

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