Shelley Nemerofsky Sims works in mixed media with handmade papers to create bold iconic images with highly textured surfaces, vibrant colors, stencils and configured shapes. The richly dyed papers contain organic material, such as plant fibers, bark scraps, grasses and tree debris. They are manipulated and layered to create sophisticated, organic, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Shelley is inspired by the Southwest, with its earth tones and strong elemental shapes and by Eastern philosophy and mysticism. Her mandala-like images invite the viewer to penetrate the patterns and layers of color and texture to find a subtle balance and harmony.

Shelley attended the Maryland Institute, College of Art, in Baltimore, Maryland, and studied papermaking at the Corcoran Gallery School, Washington, D.C. She has shown in galleries in Sedona and Jerome, Arizona, as well as juried shows in Maryland. She also coaches people in communication skills and media strategies internationally.