Mary Heilmann

Often referred to as an artist’s artist, Mary Heilmann creates abstract paintings as well as ceramics and furniture that traverse craft and fine art. Sourced from dreams, music, and recollection — with titles like Heaven, Surfing on Acid, and Sea of Joy — her work is marked by bright colors, sweeping shapes, and a sense of playfulness. Born in San Francisco and influenced by Southern California’s surfer culture, Heilmann studied pottery at San Francisco State University before moving to New York, where she still lives and works.