Artist Detail

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Dema Simeri

Visual Artist: Fiber Art/Fine Art/Fine Craft

About the artist:

My name is Dema Simeri and I am one of a rare breed of artists known as quillers (not quilTers) I am a self-taught artist and began this jouney in 2003 after I had raised six children and retired from my own restaurant, Simeri's Old Town Tap. It began as a hobby but at the urging of family and all who viewed my work, I started exhibiting and selling my work at juried shows and by commission.

I named my business On a Roll Quill since it is all achieved by rolling narrow strips of paper on a quilling needle. This artform is centuries old but rarely practiced now because of the time involved.There are many priceless antique pieces displayed in European and American galleries some dating back to the 18th century. With the formation of the North American Quilling Guild this delicate and beautiful art is making a speedy comeback. I am a member of both English and American Guilds and we have several thousand members from many countries worldwide.We can exchange knowledge and view other's work via the internet which is a great asset.

I am totally addicted to my art and Quill many hours a day. I have amassed quite a large inventory of work. I participate at Artbeat each year, the Art is Ageless show at Southfield each May, The Elkhart Showcase of Art 2009,(4th year) and I will be at the Nappanee Public Library Spring Into Art show May 2009(1-3) I have won several prizes in the shows I have entered. I expect to be quilling until my eyesight fails or my hands become arthritic. I hope to introduce many people to this wonderful art and expose others to it's delicate beauty.