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Faces of Arizona

‘coffee table’ Art Book

Art Renaissance Foundation, 1999

“Before accepted knowledge was known did it exist somewhere in a language of symbols? Will the way that future generations think about reality be rooted in the abstract ideas of today? …Just as these two questions address a single answer from different perspectives, I am striving for the viewer to see not only the multiple dimensions in my images but within themselves and in life. -Scott McNeill”

Scott McNeill, through his masterful and intricate woodcarving, creates one level of imagery close up.  But step back and you’ll find that the paint he uses to color the wood forms another picture.  The effect is a unique visual language where time space and perspective are intimately entwined.  He was born in Washington DC, in 1969, an after receiving a Bachelors of Science Degree from Clemson University, became a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras.  McNeill’s assignment took him to the artisan village and “woodcarving capital,” Valle de Angeles, where he worked as a consultant to the National Association of Honduran Artists.  During the two year span of his service, he worked closely with hundreds of artisans.  Projects ranged from analyzing costs to participating at international art fairs and craft exportation.  At the end of his Peace Corps term, Scott was invited to apprentice relief woodcarving from one of the countries most renown masters.  McNeill was quickly recognized as having “una gracia” (a gift), and for the next two and one half years he worked side by side among the countries finest woodcarvers.  Shortly after returning to Arizona, he developed his style of “Multi-dimensional Art Expressionism” by superimposing painted imagery over his three dimensional carvings.  Scott currently works out of his studio in the west valley, and his pieces are in numerous private collections.