Scott McNeely

@ScottMcNeely

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About

Scott McNeely grew up in Denton, Texas. He is a self-taught full time artist whose work is characterized by a lifelong passion for three-dimensional form. From building bamboo kites and treehouses as a child to learning how to sew stuffed animals with his grandmother, and eventually building his own home, Scott has always been a maker. Inspired by the kinetic art and jewelry of Alexander Calder, Scott began crafting wirework gemstone jewelry in the 1980s. He joined other artisans and sold his jewelry on the streets of Dallas's Deep Ellum district. Over the years, Scott transitioned to creating kinetic sculptures. He envisioned a way to elevate crystals and gemstones beyond mere decorative displays on a shelf. His focus on balance and movement inspired his Floating Crystals, as well as gemstone, glass, and stainless steel mobiles, transforming these materials into unique jewelry for the home and garden. Scott uses sterling silver, stainless steel, gemstones, and glass to create a diverse collection of jewelry, sculptures, and kinetic mobiles. He exhibits at the annual Tucson and Denver Gem, Mineral, and Jewelry Shows, as well as art festivals throughout Texas.

Artist Statement

For as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed working with my hands and creating in three dimensions. I was also a little rock hound. I was introduced to the wirework of Alexander Calder as a child and was intrigued by his jewelry and the balance, movement and colors of his sculptures. In 1985, I watched a man named Twister making little copper sculptures at the Rainbow Gathering in Missouri and thought, “That looks like fun. I can do that!” It wasn’t long before I was twisting my own designs. I traveled to Arkansas to dig for quartz crystals, which I used in my first attempts at making pendants. My journey continued to the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show where I was exposed to crystals, gemstones, and jewelry from around the globe. I brought home my discoveries and started my jewelry business. With Calder’s kinetic sculptures in mind, I aspired to put my own spin on the concept and incorporate crystals, gemstones and glass beads into mobiles and sculptures. I am drawn to the day dreamy qualities of the gentle movement and play of light on the materials. Wire is a three-dimensional line. Using wire takes a two-dimensional line off the page and transforms it into three-dimensional form. Stones and glass add color and sparkle. After 40 years, I still enjoy the feel of the wire in my hands, inspired by the endless possibilities.