Semion was born in Russia. He earned his Masters of Fine Art degree from the prestigious School of Fine Arts in Leningrad. In Soviet-era Russia, Semion was employed as a sculptor and designer creating monumental public works. His work spanned a huge number of media including architecture, oil painting, sculpture, jewelry, bas relief, posters, and illustrations. Much of his work was, by necessity, in the Social Realist style. The government declared some of his work "national treasures."
Semion emigrated to the United States in 1979, transferring his professional skills from monumental sculptures and propaganda poster art to fine art oil paintings and elegant jewelry for Tiffany's and other clients.
Semion's impish humor and prolific imagination can be most easily seen in his paintings which feature beautiful brush work and fine details executed with his bright color palettes. Semion's elegant jewelry designs combine mythological themes with graceful natural forms - a reinterpretation of art nouveau reflecting his particularly Russian sensibility.
Extensively exhibited in Russia prior to 1979. Works collected by the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, and the Museum of Lenin in the Urals.
In the United States, Works are collected by the Museum of Russian Art in Jersey City, New Jersey and by the Duke University Museum of Art. On the East Coast, Semion is represented by the Carnel Gallery, New York, and the Podval Gallery in Brooklyn.
Semion recently finished a public art project for the city of Pinole - a 14' x 7' mosaic.
Semion is an active Board Member of the Pinole Artisans.