Paula Wenzl Bellacera

Born and raised in Northern California, I now split my time between my home state and Santa Fe, NM.

My fascination with animals and their personalities grew during my college studies in biology and psychology. As a graduate student I studied animal behavior in the swamps of Louisiana and experimental design at Tulane University where I earned a Ph.D. My inquiry into both human and animal behavior has led me to imbue my animal sculptures with whimsical human attitudes and characteristics.

I began my art career as a photographer, then branched out to painting, print-making, and drawing. Finally, I followed in my mother's footsteps to work with clay to create creatures, each with a unique personality. The spontaneity and plasticity of the medium makes hand building a process of discovery, full of surprises. Working in clay is a collaboration between me and the medium.

My artistic skills have developed through coursework at several colleges in Northern California as well as through workshops and private classes with renown artists.

Please see my website at www.paulabellacera.com