Debra Hernandez

Art has always been my way of connecting—both with others and with myself. Through my work, I try to express what words sometimes can’t: a sense of wonder, a love of beauty, and the quiet power of strength.

I’m a Navy veteran and a Purdue graduate, but my creative journey truly began when I discovered the luminous world of dichroic glass. The way light dances through it—constantly shifting, never the same twice—captivated me and sparked a passion that continues to evolve. That journey eventually led me to metalsmithing, where fire, metal, and intention come together in ways that feel both grounding and transformative.

Over time, my practice expanded beyond jewelry to include painting—primarily in watercolor, acrylic, and mixed media. My paintings are a celebration of vibrancy and playfulness, often marked by bold color, layered textures, and intuitive movement. Whether on canvas or paper, I treat painting as an invitation to explore emotion and energy with freedom and joy.

Whether I’m forging a metal bezel, layering molten glass in the kiln, or letting watercolor flow across paper, I pour myself into each piece with the hope that it becomes more than just art—it becomes part of someone’s story. I’m especially drawn to the beauty of the imperfectly perfect—those little quirks, textures, and asymmetries that make a piece feel human, soulful, and truly one of a kind.

My studio in Princeton, Texas, is where it all happens. It’s a small space, but it holds big energy: color, curiosity, creativity, and the occasional happy accident that turns into something beautiful.

Art, for me, is about connection and joy. I hope that when people wear or hang my work, they feel both.