About Paula Bellacera

My life as an artist grew from an early fascination with animals and the natural world. I studied biology, psychology, and animal behavior, earning a Ph.D. in experimental psychology from Tulane University. During my graduate studies, I spent years observing animals in the swamps of Louisiana. That experience taught me to look closely at their behavior, personalities, and relationships—and eventually inspired me to explore these connections through art.

Today, I work across ceramic sculpture, painting, and drawing. My subjects include both wild and domestic animals, which I see as mirrors of our own emotions and personalities. Through expressive forms, vivid colors, playful characters, and layered symbols, I explore the connections between animals, humans, and the larger natural world.

My work is also influenced by ancient civilizations, Indigenous animal imagery, sacred geometry, astronomy, and what is often called perennial philosophy—the idea that wisdom traditions across cultures share deeper truths about existence and our place in the world.

I hope my art invites viewers to look at animals, and themselves, with fresh eyes. Sometimes the invitation comes through humor and recognition; sometimes through mystery and contemplation. Above all, I want my work to celebrate our connections with other living beings and encourage greater wonder, compassion, and respect for the world we share.

Selected Exhibitions & Professional Recognition

Paula Bellacera has exhibited extensively throughout Northern California and beyond, in solo and featured exhibitions, juried shows, and group exhibitions at galleries, museums, and public venues. Selected venues include the Morris Graves Museum of Art, the Museum of Northern California Art, Pence Gallery, KVIE Gallery, and John Natsoulas Gallery.

Her work has also been included in public and corporate art collections. In addition to her studio practice, she has undertaken public art and corporate commissions, received awards and grants, contributed to arts organizations, and served as a juror and curator. View exhibition history & CV.

About My Chop

In Western culture, it’s common for an artist to sign or initial her name on pieces of original artwork. In Eastern culture it’s customary for an artist to create a chop, an identifying symbol. All my sculptures are “signed” with my chop. My initials before marriage were PAW which I thought was very cool, like a cat’s paw. My married name starts with a “B” which magically turned into a heart!

Exhibit Catalogs