Artist Spotlight – Neil Pederson

Artist Neil Pedersen, aka SteelnWood, creates one of a kind objects from wood and scrap metal.  Woodturning for over 50 years as a hobby eventually became a business.

Neil grew up in Scotia, NY and bought his first woodworking machine around the age of 12.  He taught himself woodturning on a 1953 Shopsmith, with many successful pieces (and a few failures).  After working for two contractors over a period of 25 years, and marrying a very understanding wife, he went in business on his own.

When he retired, his shop became his man cave.  Turning became a major hobby on two custom-built lathes, built by Neil himself.  His wood bowls are made from logs, firewood or laminated various hardwood.

But he needed more.  The steel work came later in 2013 when he acquired a mig welder and learned how to join the metal pieces into many various creatures and objects.  Inspiration for metal creations usually starts with one piece of scrap and develops from there.  He creates “junk art” from scrap metal giving the name SteelnWood to his business.

Neil received a blue ribbon at the 2019 Northeast Woodworkers Association show in Saratoga for professional excellence in the Totally Woodturning category. His artwork is presently on display at the William Coffee Gallery in Northville, New York and in the summer months at Window to The Garden in Mayfield, NY.  Shows that SteelnWood display and sell at include the Northville Woodworking and Fine Arts (July 15 – 17), Mabee Farms Fall Fest (October 9), and Barn at the Bridge, Burnt Hills, in November.

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