Hilary Pecis’s Still Lifes Are Anything But Still

On an uncharacteristically overcast afternoon in August, Los Angeles-based painter Hilary Pecis invites us into her vibrant Eastside studio. As she prepares for the opening of her solo show, “Warm Rhythm,” at David Kordansky Gallery in New York City, Pecis’s dynamic large-scale works line the warehouse walls, each infused with the exuberance and energy that define her style.

The Vivid World of Hilary Pecis

Pecis, whose name carries the legacy of Kiwi climber Sir Edmund Hillary, draws inspiration from Fauvism and the Pattern and Decoration movement. Her paintings burst with color and pattern, challenging the viewer to explore a world where everything is in motion—even her still lifes.

Inspiration and Process

As you step into Pecis’s studio, which she lovingly describes as a “doggy day care party,” it becomes clear that the environment mirrors her art—lively, welcoming, and full of surprises. With assistants’ pets mingling among colorful bouquets of flowers, Hilary’s creative process embodies an appealing lack of pretense.

• Motifs: Flowers play a significant role in each work, whether adorning textiles or arranged in vases.
• Inspiration Sources: Pecis captures daily vignettes with her iPhone, later translating them into vibrant acrylic paintings.

A Journey Through Art and Life

Raised in the modest town of Redding, California, Hilary found creative liberation through simple encouragements from her parents. Her first brush with art came via PBS’s “The Secret City,” sparking a lifelong passion that would eventually lead her to the prestigious California College of the Arts.

Warm Rhythm: A Celebration of Motion

Pecis’s latest collection at “Warm Rhythm” shifts focus from landscapes to interiors and still lifes. The exhibition is a testament to Pecis’s ability to infuse movement into seemingly static scenes, inviting viewers on a visual journey through her intricate compositions.

Paintings That Move

In pieces like Cowboy, the black and white cat becomes more than just a subject; it serves as an anchor for the eye to explore the rich textures within the composition. From fur to wood grain, each element in Pecis’s works competes for attention, creating a dynamic dance across the canvas.

Running Through Art

Pecis isn’t just known for her art; she is also a dedicated long-distance runner who embodies rhythm and discipline. Each morning, she embarks on a 50-mile weekly journey around Eagle Rock and Pasadena—paralleling the cadence of her artistic process.

The Connection Between Art and Athletics

For Pecis, both painting and running involve the rhythm of persistence. She draws parallels between the mark-making in a painting and the steady stride of a runner, emphasizing that dedication is key to reaching any finish line.

A Visionary Ahead of Her Time

Hilary Pecis’s work challenges conventional ideas about still lifes by infusing them with life and motion. As her “Warm Rhythm” exhibition opens in New York City, it promises a feast for the senses—a celebration of patterns, colors, and textures that capture the essence of an artist who is anything but still.

Hilary Pecis: Warm Rhythm
September 4 – October 12, 2024
David Kordansky Gallery