Art & Life with Peggy Dembicer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Peggy Dembicer.

Peggy, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My evolution in the fiber arts began with self-taught explorations into crochet, needlepoint, and macramé as a college student and young adult. I then began to explore weaving in the early 1980’s with an intense focus on complex pattern weaving and a passion for tapestry. As my weaving progressed I began to experiment with different approaches to weaving that employed alternative materials, including commercial and specialty papers.

As my paper weaving techniques matured I began exhibiting and selling my work through shops and galleries.
Exposure to the art market and working within a community of artists and galleries pushed me forward creatively.
Beginning in the 1990’s I added bead weaving skills to my studio practice. As I became more and more confident and enamored with beading, I began working in larger and more complex beaded designs. I added seed bead mosaics, bead embroidery and three-dimensional peyote beadwork to my designs. My current work still focuses largely on complex beaded pieces or woven paper construction. In addition, I enjoy incorporating recycled materials into the mix.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a contemporary fiber and mixed media artist noted for intricate beaded tapestries, modern and colorful 2D and 3D paper weaving, as well as the creative application of recycled materials in framed and sculptural artworks.
I employ polymers, oil and acrylic paints, novelty yarns and miscellaneous objects to create unique and engaging pieces.

My designs draw inspiration from popular culture, geometric patterns or by emulating, through reinvention, the works of artists I admire. My focus on up-cycling and repurposing found objects is evident in my mixed media works.
Fiber and beads are the consistent and cohesive element in much of my studio practice. My expertise in weaving, stitching, embroidery, mosaics, collage, wrapping, knotting, painting and crocheting contribute to a diverse portfolio. I give workshops at art organizations and exhibit in galleries throughout the Northeast United States.

What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
Art can be cohesive or divisive. I don’t believe this has changed or will change. The ability to view art without ever leaving a computer screen has changed the way we access it and enjoy it. There is increased exposure for artists and an ever-increasing platform for sharing ideas and learning from others.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Please view my work at www.peggydembicer.com

In addition, I exhibit my work regularly at:
Gallery on the Green, Dowd Road, Canton, Connecticut
West Hartford Art League, West Hartford Connecticut
Farmington Valley Art Center, Avon, Connecticut
Art League of New Britain, New Britain Connecticut

My work is also available for sale on line
https://www.saatchiart.com/account/artworks/119928
https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/wovenworks/tools/listings?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

Contact Info:

• Address: Avon, Connecticut
• Website: www.peggydembicer.com
• Email: beadarts@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peggydembicer/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DembicerArt/
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/macbth

Image Credit:
Photographs courtesy of Neal Dembicer.

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