About the Artist

Deborah Pelias is a native of New Orleans, LA, where she received her B.A. from the University of New Orleans. After living in Florida, Pelias returned to New Orleans where she currently works and resides. This will be Deborah Pelias’ third solo exhibition at Heriard-Cimino Gallery.

In my current work I use a simple repeat pattern of dots or as I like to think of it as drops of paint to organize the canvas. Then I set up a system of layering paint using spray bottles, squeeze bottles, and gum rubber floats. After I have completed the pattern I bury the entire work with medium which I then sand off to revel the final panting. The repeat pattern servers my purposes because even if some of the dots, drops or marks don’t sand out the pattern still remains whole, because the pattern is anticipated.  I like to use clear media for the drops so that the observer can see down to the first step of my process. I aim to let each step in my process show, so that the observer can trace my steps. I know that the pattern will fall apart at some point; hence I can repeat the same pattern over and over again and expect a different outcome.  I like that aspect of the process that I’m not in total control. I’m interested in the flaws made by human hands, the idiosyncrasies of the process. For example: when dots run together (rather than stay as individual dots) they form new shapes that were not my intent. It is my belief that this is where the magic happens. After I sand down the painting I am always surprised by what is revealed.  The painting then seems to have a voice of its own.  It speaks about its own space and little optical illusions that show up after sanding. These surprise discoveries lead me to my next painting. I paint for these discoveries. I guess you could say I’m a discovery junkie.  The process of discovery is what excites me and why I continue to paint.

EDUCATION

University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Bachelor of Arts

 

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2018
Escapes, Boyd/Satellite Gallery, New Orleans, LA
2015
Exposed, Boyd/Satellite Gallery, New Orleans, LA
2013
Sanity, Boyd/Satellite Gallery, New Orleans, LA
2011
Drop – Half Drop, Heriard-Cimino Gallery, New Orleans, LA
2008
Systems, Heriard-Cimino Gallery, New Orleans. LA
2007
Order, Heriard-Cimino Gallery, New Orleans, LA
2003
Line Paintings, Heriard-Cimino Gallery, New Orleans, LA
2000
Pentimenti, Heriard-Cimino Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1995
Erosion, Gallery at 145, St. Petersburg, FL
1994
Hydrology, Gallery at 145, St. Petersburg, FL

 

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2019
It’s All Black and White, Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA
2018
Another Show, Boyd/Satellite Gallery, New Orleans, LA
2018
Black & White & In Between, Carnegie Museum, Oxnard, CA
2016
La Femme, New Orleans Art Center, New Orleans, LA
2014
Sputnik 2, Boyd/Satellite Gallery, New Orleans, LA
2013
Sputnik 1, Boyd/Satellite Gallery, New Orleans, LA
2003
Celebration, Art Off Center, Invitational Exhibition, Mobile, AL
2002
Julia Street North, Masur Museum of Art, Monroe, LA
2000
Seven Muses, Heriard-Cimino Gallery, New Orleans, LA
1996
Spring Show, The Arts Center of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, FL
1995
The Arts Center of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, FL
Dunedin Fine Art Center, Dunedin, FL
Belleair Town Hall, Group Exhibition, Belleair, FL
1994
Invitational Christmas Show, Dunedin Fine Art Center, Dunedin, FL
Belleair Town Hall, Belleair, FL
1993
Belleair Town Hall, Group Exhibition, Belleair, FL
Studioworks, Florida Gulf Coast Art Center, Belleair, FL
1992
Spring Show, The Arts Center of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, FL
Belleair Town Hall, Group Exhibition, Belleair, FL
Studioworks, Florida Gulf Coast Art Center, Belleair, FL
1991
Studioworks, Florida Gulf Coast Art Center, Belleair, FL
1990
The Arts Center of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, FL
1989
The Arts Center of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, FL
1987
Dallas Women’s Caucus for Art, Dallas, TX
Art for Art’s Sake, Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans, LA
1986
Art for Art’s Sake, Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans, LA
1985
Panama Art Association, Panama City, FL