(American, b. 1966)
My body of work is an expression and exploration of my lifelong fascination with animals. Through my paintings, I seek to give animals a voice and a personality, while making light of our uniquely human existence. By imagining what animals might do if put in human situations, I stage tableaus that shine a spotlight on both their innocence and raw instinct. This collision between animal and human sensibilities creates a whimsical, theatrical, and often humorous world that viewers can relate to on an emotional level.
A graphic designer by trade and an oil painter by design, I am continually experimenting with different styles of contemporary realism that balance my artistic sensibilities, technique, and unique sense of humor. As I evolve, what remains constant is my respect for the animals that inspire me, and my desire to bring a smile to the face of every viewer.
EDUCATION
Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY BFA 1985-1989
RECENT EXHIBITIONS (PAST 3 YEARS)
2019
Nov - Zions Bank - "Zions Bank Invitational" - Salt Lake City, UT
Oct - Haynes Gallery - "Magic of Realism" - Franklin, TN
Sept - Copro Gallery - "14th Annual BLAB! Show" -Santa Monica, CA
Aug - Copro Gallery - 3 Man Show - Santa Monica, CA
May - 15th Street Gallery - 2 Man show - Salt Lake City, UT
April - Salt Palace - Art & Soup Celebration - Salt Lake City
2018
Nov - Zions Bank - "Zions Bank Invitational" - Salt Lake City, UT
Sept - Copro Gallery - "13th Annual BLAB! Show" - Santa Monica, CA
June - Think Tank Gallery - "Cat Art Show 3" - Los Angeles, CA
May - 15th Street Gallery - "2 Man Show" - Salt Lake Coty, UT
March - Conrad - "Asia Contemporary Art Show" - Hong Kong
March - Bein Art Gallery - "The Cat Show" - Melbourne, Australia
March - Heritage Inn - "Out West Art Show & Sale" - Montana
March - Salt Palace - Art & Soup Celebration - Salt Lake City
2017
Nov - Zions Bank - "Zions Bank Invitational" - Salt Lake City, UT
Sept - Copro Gallery - "12th Annual BLAB! SHow" - Santa Monica, CA
Sept - Red Cliff Ranch - "Celebration of the Arts" - Heber, UT
Aug - Springville Museum - "Wit and Whimsy" - Springville, UT
Aug - 15th Street Gallery - "2 Man Show" - Salt Lake City, UT
May - Art Influence - One Woman Show - "Wonderland" - Taipei, Taiwan
Mar - Salt Palace - Art & Soup Celebration - Salt Lake City, UT
PUBLICATIONS
2019
Dec - "Artist Focus" - American Art Collector
Nov - "Pinko x Lucia Heffernan" - Telva Magazine, Spain
Nov - Cover of Catalyst Magazine
August - "Animal Instincts" - American Art Collector
2018
Aug - "Artist Focus" - American Art Collector
May - Show Preview - American Art Collector
February - Front Cover - Catalyst Magazine
2017
Nov - "Anthropomorphism" - American Art Collector
May - "Artist Focus" - American Art Collector
Jan - "Chinese Metaphysics" - Front Cover - Catalyst Magazine
2016
Fubiz - The Whimsical Animals of Lucia Heffernan" - http://www.fubiz.net/2016/08/07/the-whimsicalanimals-of-lucia-heffernan/
Aug - "Taking the Plunge" - Catalyst Magazine
May - "Animal Perspective" - American Art Collector
March - "Quirky Animals" - American Art Collector
Jan - "Imaginative Animals" - American Art Collector
AWARDS
2019
ARC Salon - "Apple Music" - Rehs Contemporary Gallery Award
ARC Salon - "Washington Gothic" - Haynes Galleries Award
ARC Salon - "El Toro" - Finalist
Richeson 75 - Animals, Birds & Wildlife - "Sealrio" - Honor Award
2018
ARC Salon - "Gladiator" - Finalist