Joel Barber spent 20 years studying and collecting wild fowl decoys from Nova Scotia to North Carolina. Mr. Barber's authoratative volume is the only text written for the true collector and contains all there is to be known on the subject: how to recognize the locality from which a decoy comes, the world of famous decoy makers, the scarcity of certain types of decoys and more.
A book that celebrates one of the most breathtaking and comprehensive collections of wildfowl decoys in America. Bird decoys were used for hunting in North America until the advent of hunting regulations in the early twentieth century, when decoys started to be prized and collected as masterpieces of American folk art. This handsome book is the first examination of the historic and unparalleled decoy collection at Shelburne Museum. Featuring new photography of 250 of the museum’s most important and artistically carved decoys, it includes examples made by the most respected American carvers: Charles Osgood, Lem and Steve Ward, John Blair, Bill Bowman, Nathan Cobb, Jr., Lee Dudley, James Holly, Jr., Nathan Horner, Albert Laing, Joseph Lincoln, A. Elmer Crowell, and Charles “Shang” Wheeler. The story of the collection begins with Joel Barber, the pioneer decoy enthusiast and New York architect, artist, and carver, whose gift of 400 superior examples established the collection in 1952. Several essays provide groundbreaking scholarship on the origins, construction, and attribution of bird decoys, imparting critical advancements to our modern understanding of this revered tradition.
A collection of photographs of some of the decade's best work by North American carvers. The Ward World Championship is held every April in Ocean city, Maryland--and this title is a tribute to the artists who have mastered this unique art form.
Sixty great contemporary decoy carvers from North America are highlighted in this illustrated book discussing artist techniques and inspiration. Full-color photographs throughout.
Provides step-by-step instructions and patterns for carving and painting the goldeneye drake, goldeneye hen, and pintail hen. This book also discusses colour mixtures and paint swatches. Illustrated throughout
"In carved and painted wood, bird decoys capture the dynamic spirit of the creatures they represent. Originating as humble tools of the hunter's trade, antique decoys are now treasured as a uniquely North American folk-art form. In this comprehensive reference, expert Robert Shaw chronicles the evolution of hand-carved decoys form 1,500 years ago, when decoys were first crafted by Native American hunter-artist, up through the last great decoy carvers of the twentieth century. Featuring 300 illustrations--including beautiful shot images of decoys from around the United States and Canada, as well as numerous historic paintings and photographs -- this book will appeal to sportsmen, birders, and folk-art enthusiasts alike" --Cover, p. 4.
