Jessica Peña Heberle (b. 1981) is a multidisciplinary artist from Erie, PA.
She lives and works in her home studio in Pittsburgh, PA. Her art process
includes painting, drawing, comics, zines, art books, and found objects.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My paintings depict figures interacting with natural settings such as bodies of water, forests, trees, and rock formations. In these spaces, figures within a given composition exist in an in-between state between intimacy and detachment. They are concerned with their corporeal self, their personal narrative, and the spaces they inhabit. Despite an undeniable synergy amongst the figures and myself these scenes, process such issues as anxiety, loneliness, violence to the body, and the power of the unconscious mind.
In the studio I remain fluid and flexible with how I approach each new work. A painting isn’t planned but emerges from a space of not knowing and uncertainty. This exploration of layering multiple mediums on paper creates texture and movement within each piece and is a key component to my studio process. The art mediums vary and include watercolor, gouache, colored pencil and graphite. Ita vulnerable space where curiosity and obsessive mark making inform each piece.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
2025
Botanical Exhibition, Lawrencville Markethouse, Pittsburgh, PA.
2024
Botanical Exhibition, at Mt. Lebanon Public Library, lower floor gallery (August 2024)
2023
Artist Association of Pittsburgh-New Member Exhibition, Brew House Association, Pittsburgh, PA
Survivors, A Conversation About Consent, Marketview Arts - York College, PA, Curated by Erica Gaimari
2019
Wild Things Group Exhibition, Casey Droege Cultural Productions Project Space, Curated by Carolyn Pierotti, Pittsburgh, PA
2017
Storytellers Group Exhibition, Percolate: Art Space Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA
Wall Paintings: Storytellers, Live Mural Exhibition, SPACE Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA
Wonder Woman: Visions, Group Exhibition, The Toonseum, Pittsburgh, PA
2016
Wading In Internal Landscapes, Solo Exhibition, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Backstage Gallery At Theater Square, Pittsburgh, PA
Raw Draw Live Painting and Gallery Show, Neu Kirche Contemporary Art Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Dream City Group Show, 1018 Penn Ave Gallery, Wilkinsburg, PA
2014
Wonder Women on Page and Off, The Toonseum, Group Exhibition, Pittsburgh, PA
Uncovered Space Project, AIP Gallery, Group Exhibition, Pittsburgh,PA
2012
What is Your Myth, group show, The Zenith Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA
Clients I’ve worked:
McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, The Andy Warhol Museum, Three Rivers Volkswagen, Coyne Advertising, Itlan Artists Group, Amber Waves Farm, The Toonseum, Illustration Ale for The East End Brewery, and more.
Contact: For commissions or inquiries please contact me at: speaking4lines@gmail.com
Or use the contact form below!