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Look at one of Wayne Wheeler's decoys and you may wonder if it will fly away. Wheeler, an award-winning carver, is just that good. Inspired to begin carving by his love of the outdoors and wildlife, he creates a variey of nature objects. As his wife, Mary, says,"He can pretty much pick up a piece of wood and carve it into what he wanted it to be." His wildlife carvings show his ability to create diverse spiecies. His woodduck drake decorative slick (a decoy that is painted but not textured)won at the 2005 Ward World Carving Competition with both a first place and also a second place in division. His Cacklin Goose won a second place there. At the Havre de Grace Decoy Festival (Atlantic Flyaway Classic), his decorative woodduck drake won both first place in its catgegory and second best in show. Additionally, his other entries won a variety of ribbons. Wheeler's workshop shows objects in all stages of completion, from waterfowl to songbirds to sperm whales. Wheeler works from patterns, life-size renditions, and models of specific parts, such as duck bills. Most of the decoys are carved from tupelo, a wood that grows in Southern swamps. For some pieces Wheeler uses specialty woods such as teak or mahogany. For these, he often only applies a clear finish to bring out the beauty of the wood. A delicate touch with a dental drill and burning pen adds the feathered textures that make these birds so life-like. Using both physical studies and pictures, Wheeler mixes his own colors to achieve the most realistic effects possible. Whenever he can, he takes classes from World Champions, including texturing classes with a nine-time World Champion carver. "I like taking calsses from people to pick up on their techniques," says Wheeler. He "picks up a little from one, then from another, to get different techniques." Examples of Wheeler's work have been displayed at Creatrics LLC and the Decoy Bar at the Tidewater Inn (where he reconstructed damaged duck heads and carved replacement ones). His whimsical mini-decoys fashioned out of golf woods were carried in the Inn's gift shop and are still available from him. Wheeler is available to take commisions for not only decoys but also for other subjects. Contact Wayne W. Wheeler Wildlife Carvings at (410) 822-4940. |
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Wayne W. Wheeler Wildlife Carving
28270 Villa Road
Easton, MD 21601
410-822-4940