Mike Nathal

Biography

I am a resident of Strongsville, OH and worked for 32 years as a metallurgical engineer at NASA Glenn Research Center until retiring in 2013.   I started teaching myself wood carving in 2008 and wood turning in 2011.  I prefer to work with “reclaimed wood,” which is salvaged from trees that would otherwise be destroyed or turned into firewood.  I try to incorporate defects such as knots, cracks, or voids into my pieces to enhance visual interest.  I am also experimenting with inlaying small stone chips (my favorite is turquoise) into the wood.  I have won awards in four juried art shows, including first place awards at the Wayne Center for the Arts, in Wooster, OH, and the Brunswick Art Works Annual Art Show.