I love wood and the challenges of shaping and finishing that are presented.  Most of my works are done in the hardwoods but I do some experimentation with other woods too.  I have always been a lover of the great outdoors.  My love for waterfowl stems from a time in my life when I spent time afield---my love for wood carving was discovered in college.  The melding of these loves is reflected in my works as I continue to discover creative ways to say something special about waterfowl and carving. 

My decoys are a simple design usually using a solid block of wood for the body--- the head is shaped separately, blind doweled and glued to the body.  Glass or hand-turned eyes are added for realism.  My pedestal and wall pieces are laminated boards in which I attempt to get the wood to move, bend and flow in a sculptural sense.  Again realism is kept in the head with either glass or hand-turned eyes and thus the wings are free to flow with an abstract flair. 

All pieces are sanded smooth with several hand-rubbed coats of oil applied---through this process the grain of the wood comes alive suggesting a natural feathering effect.  Depending on the piece and the effect I am trying to create I will sometimes make my own oil stains in order to add a splash of color where desired.  Each piece is a one-of-a-kind and a stepping stone to the next.  

If further comments or questions please feel free to contact me at mkevinbowles203104@comcast.net