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Standing Decoys
Capt. Ross typically handcarves these decoys from either
juniper (white cedar) or white pine. They feature
either hardwood bills or metal bills utilizing various types of
nails (e.g. square-cut masonry nails). Eyes are
either glass, steel tacks or carved. Unless requested, these carvings
are full-sized.
P.G. carves all his shorebirds in the
gunning tradition and handpaints them (using only brushes) in an "impressionistic"
style using oil paints that strays from detailing
each individual feather, but instead uses techniques to simulate the
overall look of the feather patterns. This is reminiscent
of the working shorebird decoys of the 19th and early
20th centuries. The oil paints
and finishes result in a carving with deep rich colors that will develop
a fine patina over the years.
These decoys are displayed on either hardwood
or driftwood bases. He personally collects all of the driftwood
on the Eastern Shore barrier islands, beaches or
marshes which are weathered by Mother Nature, creating natural works
of art in and of themselves.
Many differing head and body positions are utilized to capture all
the various activities and characters of shorebirds. This results
in truly one-of-a-kind carvings.
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| whimbrel ("curlew")
juniper (2007)
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| ruddy turnstone
juniper (2007)
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| Flying Carvings
These carvings (they really are not "decoys" in the traditional
sense) portray shorebirds and other waterbirds flying. The same carving
styles and painting techniques that are employed for the above carvings
apply here. Wings are made from basswood and are mortised and pinned
into the body with brass rods. Epoxy further adheres the wings to body
for life!
Capt. Ross started doing these carvings at the request of
several customers and has taken a liking to them. Especially in the
case of the wall mounts, it gives an additional option to displaying carvings
on a mantle or table.
The flying skimmers are 1/2 scale. They are one of P.G.'s favorite
birds and after seeing them over the years, he was inspired to try and replicate
their form in wood. The carvings are simple like the birds, but the
sleek lines capture the grace of these neat waterbirds. The bottom
half of the bill is a hardwood dowel and serves as the mounting point for
the bird on the base. Bases are typically made for flat weathered planks
found by P.G. in the Eastern Shore marshes. Sometimes appropriate
flatter pieces of driftwood are used. This portrays the skimmers as
they are often seen -- skimming along the surface of the water with one mandible
in the water ready to close on an unsuspecting fish with lightening fast
reflexes.
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| flying golden plover wall mount
white pine (2005)
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| flying black skimmer
juniper (2005)
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