I live on Isle
Madame in the small remote fishing village of Petit De Grat, Nova
Scotia, which is situated on the rugged, craggy east coast of
Cape Breton Island; an area known for it's varied birds and
wildlife.
My interest in carving started at a very young age and as early
as 16 years old, I was carving working birds that I hunted with
very successfully. My ideas came naturally, style and wood
carving techniques I learned by trial and error, but perseverance
won the day. My keen interest in carving was rewarded by my
family creating a very nice wood burning Logo for my birthday and
it is now used as my decoy Trademark. The tools of my trade are
an old-fashioned drawknife; rasp file, assorted chisels, a band
saw and axe for rough-cut. I work only with the best of
kiln-dried pine or cedar wood that must be free of knots or soft
cores and I use realistic, high quality glass eyes.
Most of the birds that I carved in the past went to local
hunters, various collectors and charity auctions. On several
occasions I have donated decoys to Ducks Unlimited and have
demonstrated my carvings at local schools. I have also
participated in various wildlife exhibition shows in the local
area.
Carving decoys is now my greatest full-time hobby and I take
great pride in my work. I am the sole carver and painter of my
decoys. Each bird is hand carved and painted therefore ensuring
that it is unique. No two birds will be exactly identical thus
making them that much more of a collectible.
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