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“Underwater fantasies”

Lifestyles Magazine

May, 2007

by Lynette Carrington

Scott McNeill is receiving glowing reviews for his unique art pieces at Arizona Museum for Youth. The Scottsdale-based artist perfected his talents through a series of events that found him in Central America. McNeill was in the Peace Corps where he was assigned to help artisans in a local co-operative. There, he used his business expertise to help artists and exporters maximize their monies.

While in Central America, McNeill's interest and love of art continued to grow as he honed his woodworking and painting skills. While in the city of Valle de Angeles, Honduras (essentially a "wood carving town"), McNeill's house was broken into and his woodcarving tools were stolen. An artist who was a master woodcarver took him as an apprentice, and McNeill perfected his techniques under the supervision of the expert craftsmen.

Referring to his recent works, McNeill said, "I was always searching for ideas for my wood carvings." He experimented with special powders mixed with clear casting resin and applied those powders in his castings to come up with art pieces that glow. McNeill explained,"(The powder) was originally designed by the Japanese for wristwatches." Five to 20 minutes of light exposure will allow his stunning pieces to glow up to 14 hours. McNeill participates in various shows, displays at art centers and other galleries. His "Angelfish" piece is a vibrant array of reef-inspired color displayed on a series angelfish carvings that is part of the A.M.Y. exhibition. To learn more about Scott McNeill, visit www.ScottMcNeillArt.com