THE BRITISH DECOY WILDFOWL CARVERS ASSOCIATION

The British Decoy and Wildfowl Carvers' Association was formed in 1990 and continues to grow in strength having arranged annual competitions and representation at many wood and wildfowl related shows. The aims of the Association are: to produce three annual newsletters: to keep the members in touch with the art; to promote regional groups; to generate local interest; to organise competitions and exhibitions; and finally, to care generally for wildfowl carvers' interests.

The Association is non-profit making, run by carvers for carvers and is dedicated to promoting all aspects of the art.

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DECOY HISTORY

It is generally accepted that the mainstream of decorative decoy carving started in the USA, largely as a result of curbs placed on the use of decoys for shooting. Decoy makers, having lost their main livelihood, turned instead to the manufacture of decoys in an art form. Decoys from that period fetch many thousands of pounds in sale at auction.

The late Bob Ridges is generally credited with the wide scale introduction of the hobby to the UK. Bob had observed American carvers on his travels as a mariner and on retirement from the sea, started teaching. Many members of the Association owe their introduction to decoy carving to Bob. Carvers do not confine themselves entirely to wildfowl and many hawks, owls and small garden birds can be seen at the shows. There are generally three styles of carving, viz., decoy, decorative and interpretative. Here are some of the common decoy carving styles.

DECOY STYLE

Some would claim that this is the true style of decoy carving for it aims to reproduce the true shooting decoy, simple in design and, aiming to depict the salient features of the natural duck or goose yet crafted in an artistic manner. Being simple in design they do not require complicated carving and finishing techniques to achieve the necessary end product. Nevertheless, although the style is simple, it must encompass the character of the natural bird.

DECORATIVE DECOYS

This style allows much greater freedom for carvers to demonstrate their carving skills. Many techniques are used to obtain a finished decoy that bears a strikingly close resemblance to the natural bird. After carving the main shape, usually in jelutong (an easily worked Malayan hardwood) each feather is fashioned, first by carving and then by texturing, using pyrography techniques.

Only after every feather has been created does the painting start. Most carvers use acrylic paints, but oils and various other substances can be found in the toolboxes of most carvers. Arguably, the most important aspect to the creation of a lifelike carving is study of the natural bird before any blade touches the wood.

INTERPRETATIVE

This style allows the carver great freedom to carve a piece in a style that is neither decorative nor decoy. Great imagination can be used, the style, character and finish is all in the hand of the carver and the resulting carvings, when seen together in competition, show considerable divergence of style. Essentially anything goes - providing the work clearly encompasses the character of the natural bird and is carved from wood.

HOW TO BEGIN

Courses run by suppliers and instructors will all help a beginner, as will members of the Association, particularly those in regional groups. There is much literature, most from the USA, that can be of enormous help to the carver who cannot get assistance elsewhere. The Association Newsletters are a good source of further information and tips from other carvers in the UK - join today!

Click here for an application form