Check Out Delphine Peller’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Delphine Peller.

Hi Delphine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My life role finds me as a wife to my husband Ric for 21 years and mom to two beautiful young adults. Art is my outlet, passion, and my community service. I currently sell my artwork throughout central NC, volunteer with the Wake Forest Guild of Artists, and serve on the Wake Forest Public Arts Commission. When I was growing up, art was just a rainy day activity, and I never pursued any formal training. However, in 1992 after many years of declining health, I was diagnosed with Lupus. I was ill all through college, losing my athletic scholarship and never being able to pursue my career goals. In my journey with this autoimmune disease, I have had damage to my central nervous system, inflammation of my heart, fluid on my lungs, several orthopedic surgeries, daily fatigue, and disability. As I struggled through the first years of my diagnosis, I picked up art in desperation as a way to express myself when it seemed I had lost all of my identity. After several years of art just being a lifeline, I started to practice and explore different mediums. Art became a positive force in my life, and I regained self-esteem and purpose through creativity. Now art is part of my daily life. I have made lifelong friends who share a passion for art and have been fortunate to volunteer and be involved in my community.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Living with the chronic illness Lupus, I have daily reminders of my disability. Every day I have challenges. I try to focus on the small blessings and stay focused on what I can control. The most difficult aspect is not knowing what to expect day to day. I never know when I make plans, schedule a meeting, or plan an art event if my health lets me down. Often I miss out on art opportunities because the prep, work, commitments, and physical toll are too much for me to handle safely.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My paintings often are about nature. The organic shapes, intense colors, and the interplay of light and shadow fascinate me. I get the chance to capture and celebrate what I see as beautiful in the world. The strength of my work comes from my distinctive use of shadowing, texture, and color relationships. There are layers and depth to be appreciated but hopefully not necessarily defining the whole image. Each canvas becomes its own story by developing a painting with a de-constructive process, building, and reconnecting elements. I think in this way, my art represents my journey.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I am very grateful to my family for supporting my passion for the arts. My husband and kids often serve as my movers, packers, and art critics and are always good listeners. Art has introduced me to lifelong friends that remind me daily what joy can come from creative minds and kind hearts.

Thank you to the following galleries/studios for allowing me to share my art:
– 311 Gallery, Raleigh NC
– Wake Forest Art & Frame Shop, Wake Forest NC
– Picassos Gift Shop/Alamance Arts, Graham NC
– Bel Air Artisans Center, Rocky Mount, NC
– Art at 123, Wilson NC

Contact Info:

• Website: www.delphinepellerart.com
• Instagram: @delphine_peller_art
• Facebook: @artbydelphinepeller