From Cranes to Canvas: A Visual Inspector’s Artistic Journey
Felix Koshy, a Stocker and Visual Inspector at Tenaris’s seamless steel pipe mill in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada, has a unique way of blending precision and creativity in both his professional and personal life. His job requires a sharp eye for detail, ensuring the smooth movement of steel pipes within the mill. But beyond his meticulous work on the factory floor, Koshy channels that same level of focus and discipline into his artistic endeavors.
A Career Defined by Precision and Passion
Koshy’s professional journey is as diverse as his artistic pursuits. Originally from India, he has always been drawn to fields that demand precision and technical acumen. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering in Chennai, India, and further honed his expertise by obtaining a Master of Technology in production and industrial engineering from Kottayam, India.
In March 2024, Koshy joined Tenaris, where he quickly became an integral part of the team. His role involves ensuring that bundles of pipes are moved efficiently and accurately through the mill. This responsibility is critical, as any misstep in handling the pipes can cause delays or disruptions in production. “My team leader trusts me with these responsibilities because I take my job seriously and I’m detail-oriented,” he explains. “There’s a rhythm to the work—it’s all about paying attention and knowing how each pipe’s movement affects the bigger picture. If I pick up the wrong bundle or move things out of order, it can cause delays, so I have to stay focused.”
This methodical approach is not just something Koshy applies to his work—it’s an essential part of his personality. Whether he’s operating heavy machinery or holding a paintbrush, his attention to detail never wavers.
The Artistic Journey: From Sketches to Sculptures
Koshy’s love for art dates back to his childhood. “Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved drawing,” he recalls. “I started with sketches of buildings and people, and then I moved onto crafts.” Over the years, his artistic interests expanded beyond simple sketches to include painting, sculpting, and mixed media work. His preferred mediums include watercolors and acrylic paints, but he also enjoys crafting three-dimensional pieces using repurposed materials.
“I’m always on the lookout for interesting objects that I can transform into something new,” he shares. Whether it’s driftwood found on a lakeshore or discarded industrial materials, Koshy sees potential in everyday items that others might overlook. “For me, creating art isn’t just about painting on a canvas; it’s about breathing new life into forgotten materials and turning them into something meaningful.”
Bridging Art and Industry
It wasn’t long before Koshy’s two worlds—his work in steel manufacturing and his passion for art—began to intersect. His creative and technical skills came together when he crafted a model crane inspired by the equipment he works with every day in the mill. The idea took shape after his supervisor, Rene Gonzalez, Internal Transportation Shift Leader, saw the Facebook page where Koshy shares his artwork. Gonzalez, intrigued by Koshy’s talent, left a comment on one of his posts, encouraging him to draw a bundle of pipes.
Rather than stopping at a simple drawing, Koshy decided to take the challenge further. Using an old steel pen stand as the base, he repurposed its small tubes to resemble steel pipes. He then incorporated canvas and thread to add intricate details, meticulously recreating the essence of the real-life crane. “I work best with live references, so it was fun to use my love for art to complete a model of a piece of equipment I see at work each day,” Koshy explains.
When the miniature crane was completed, it quickly gained admiration from colleagues. Now proudly displayed in the Internal Transportation office inside the mill, the model serves as a testament to Koshy’s creativity and his ability to bridge the gap between his industrial profession and his artistic passion.
Art as a Form of Connection
For Koshy, art is more than just a personal hobby—it’s a way to connect with people. “Art is my passion, and I am glad to share it with the people I work with,” he says. His colleagues at Tenaris appreciate not only his dedication to his job but also the unique perspective he brings to the workplace. His artistic abilities have sparked conversations, inspired others, and added a creative touch to the industrial environment of the steel mill.
Beyond the workplace, Koshy continues to share his work through social media, where he connects with artists, engineers, and admirers from around the world. His art has resonated with many who see beauty in industrial settings and appreciate the craftsmanship involved in both manufacturing and creative expression.
The Intersection of Engineering and Creativity
While some might see engineering and art as opposite disciplines, Koshy believes they complement each other. His background in mechanical and industrial engineering has given him a deep understanding of structures, materials, and design principles—all of which play a role in his artistic creations. “Engineering and art are both about problem-solving,” he notes. “When I’m painting or sculpting, I’m thinking about form, balance, and structure in the same way I do when I’m working in the mill.”
His ability to blend these two worlds has not gone unnoticed. In addition to receiving recognition from his colleagues, Koshy has been invited to showcase his work in local art exhibitions. He hopes to continue expanding his artistic portfolio, experimenting with new techniques, and possibly even creating more industry-inspired pieces in the future.
A Future Filled with Creativity and Precision
Looking ahead, Koshy has no plans to slow down. He continues to refine his artistic techniques while excelling in his role at Tenaris. Whether he’s moving steel pipes with precision or painting a new masterpiece, his dedication to craftsmanship remains constant.
His story is a reminder that creativity can thrive in any environment—even in the heart of a steel mill. By embracing both his technical expertise and his artistic passion, Koshy exemplifies how discipline and imagination can work hand in hand to create something truly unique.
