Meet Nycoma Scott, owner and craftsman at Appalachian Moon Woodworks and this month’s West Virginia artist on display. For 20 years, Nycoma has carved one-of-a-kind wood furnishings and sculptures. This year was a big moment for him as he opened a gallery at The Greenbrier’s Artists Colony, located within resort grounds in White Sulphur Springs. Learn more about Nycoma with our Q&A:
1. How do you describe your palette?
For twenty years I have specialized in unique, custom, hand-made, heirloom furnishings, reproductions, case work, architectural implementations and sculpture.
2. What’s your greatest accomplishment?
I have designed and created furnishings, artwork and structures that cant be found anywhere else in the world.
3. What obstacles do you need to overcome to find your creative space/music?
I do require some degree of solitude to design and create. The stresses and distractions of everyday Life can sometimes serve as creative inhibitors. It is when you can push aside the adversities stress and hustle that you are able to truly embrace your passions in life
4. How do you find your inspiration?
I am inspired by the world around me. Every living thing, the landscape, people, loved ones, feelings, poetry, music and dreams
5. What is your favorite piece you’ve made so far?
I try not to have a favorite necessarily. I like to give myself to my environment and allow a natural evolution to take place. I think that deciding on a favorite piece or particular style could potentially cast a subconscious shadow over the path that will unfold before me.
6. What advice do you have for other artists?
The advice that I would give to artists would be something like. .. the path of an artist will be very difficult and require great sacrifice. Our somewhat conservative, practical society will try to push you in directions that are safe and secure. Don’t ever give up on your dreams. When I get discouraged I always remember what Ben Franklin said. ..”those who exchange liberty for security deserve neither”
Support the local craftsman and visit Nycoma’s studio any day of the week this holiday season. You may find the perfect gift or a unique piece for your home. Tell him LBSPY sent you!
– LBSPY #60, Dec 1-Jan 5, 2015
HASHTAGWV ART & ENTERTAINMENT Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Christina Entenmann-Edwards has been a WV resident since September 2008. She was born and raised in Fairfield County, Connecticut, and is no stranger to hard work and the entrepreneurial spirit. In 2006, she graduated from Quinnipiac University (Hamden, Connecticut), Cum Laude, with a B.A. in History. In 2010, she graduated with an M.B.A. from Liberty University (Lynchburg, Virginia). In February 2012, Christina launched HashtagWV as the area’s first full-color, free arts and entertainment tabloid + online platform. Christina completed the Leadership West Virginia class of 2021, which is an innovative program that grows, engages, and mobilizes leaders to ignite a life passion to move West Virginia forward.