About Paula Bellacera

Paula Bellacera is a contemporary artist, ceramic sculptor, and animal artist based in Northern California. As a California artist with strong ties to the Sacramento region, her work explores the deep connections between humans and animals through sculpture, painting, drawing, and mixed media.

Inspired by years of observing domestic and wild animals in their natural habitats, Paula creates expressive artwork that celebrates the intelligence, emotion, and individuality shared by all living creatures. Her ceramic sculptures and paintings are influenced by art history, ancient cultures, and Indigenous traditions that recognize animals as symbols of wisdom, protection, and transformation.

As a wildlife artist, Paula believes animals mirror human nature, reminding us of our shared emotions and common ancestry. Whether sculpting a curious rabbit, a watchful owl, or a loyal dog, she seeks to capture both the physical presence and the unique spirit of each animal.

Paula's work has been featured in museum exhibitions, galleries, and juried shows throughout California and is represented in public collections as well as private collections across the United States. She also creates commissioned sculpture and paintings for collectors seeking meaningful, one-of-a-kind works of art.

Through every piece, Paula invites viewers to see animals not simply as subjects, but as reflections of ourselves and our place within the natural world.

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

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