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Mya Rae Nelson
TangoWoods
"My goal is to create unique woodworks that capture the energy and movement of the natural world into well-crafted pieces that bring a smile into everyday living."
Nelson is drawn to the intersection of craftsmanship, science, and design in woodworking. Much of her inspiration comes from the process of transformation, bringing precision and play to a finished piece. Organic blends with clean lines. Exacting joinery with flow. Wood hardness with a light aesthetic.
Nelson employs a combination of traditional and modern woodworking techniques, selecting the methods best suited to achieve the desired balance of form, function, and durability. She starts with hand drawn sketches, then might go to computer drawings or straight to sample pieces. Many of her designs involve bending techniques and hand shaping to create a sense of movement and continuity.
For more than a decade, Nelson practiced woodworking during evenings and weekends while working as a science writer. She regularly attended workshops and shared workspaces with accomplished craftspeople, steadily building skills and experience. Her passionate hobby evolved into a profession. She later attended The Center for Furniture Craftsmanship's Comprehensive Program.
Nelson is drawn to the intersection of craftsmanship, science, and design in woodworking. Much of her inspiration comes from the process of transformation, bringing precision and play to a finished piece. Organic blends with clean lines. Exacting joinery with flow. Wood hardness with a light aesthetic.
Nelson employs a combination of traditional and modern woodworking techniques, selecting the methods best suited to achieve the desired balance of form, function, and durability. She starts with hand drawn sketches, then might go to computer drawings or straight to sample pieces. Many of her designs involve bending techniques and hand shaping to create a sense of movement and continuity.
For more than a decade, Nelson practiced woodworking during evenings and weekends while working as a science writer. She regularly attended workshops and shared workspaces with accomplished craftspeople, steadily building skills and experience. Her passionate hobby evolved into a profession. She later attended The Center for Furniture Craftsmanship's Comprehensive Program.
Awards
American Craft Council Show, Baltimore, MD, 2026
The Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show, Philadelphia, MA, 2025
Craft + Design, The Visual Arts Center of Richmond (VisArts), Richmond, VA, 2025
The Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show, Philadelphia, MA, 2025
Craft + Design, The Visual Arts Center of Richmond (VisArts), Richmond, VA, 2025
