R. D. Lewis- Wood Duck Drake Wood Decoy Signed By Artist & Dated 2/4/80
Lewis- "Wood Duck" Drake - Wood Decoy Signed By Artist & Dated 2/4/80. Lewis Wood Duck decoy is a beautiful addition to any hunting collection. Crafted from solid wood, this decoy features intricate details that bring the Wood Duck to life. The artist's signature and date add to the piece's authenticity, making it a unique and valuable find for any collector. Whether you plan to use it on your next hunting trip or display it in your home, this wood duck decoy is sure to impress. Article from the Eugene Oregon Register-Guard July 22, 1988 : (In Part). He grew up on a farm in the Ozarks of southwest Missouri. A former meat cutter and truck driver;Lewis still favors jeans, work shirts, big silver buckles and red loggersuspenders. Gray-haired and robust, he looks like he still could jump in abig rig and highball it across the country. Horses and wood carving both were important parts of Lewis' life.
Her loved working with the livestock on his father's farm. Carving figures was a skill he learned from his father, who used to carve teams of horses pulling miniature vehicles. His first commission came in 1960 when he was living in California.
That was when collecting wooden Indians had become fashionable in some circles. " "I figured I couldn't make one any worse than the ones I had seen, so that's how I got started, he says. His wood sculpture career continued on a part-timie basis until about 1970, when he began carving full time. About 1978, he and Denise left California to get away from the smog, traffic and population pressures of the San Fernando valley.
After his first wooden Indian, Lewis carved many more. He also did a lot of animal and wildlife figures -eagles, dog heads, buffalo and just about anything people would ask me to do. Duck decoys became hot collectible items, and Lewis became well-known for his decoy carvings.
About the time their popularity began to fade in the 1970s, the collection of carousel horses became popular. Most of the original wood figures carved for the big carousel companies in the late 1800s and early 1900s were bought up by collectors or put out of circulation in campaigns to restore many of the grand old carousels. Prices for what onginals were available skyrocketed, and a hot market developed for reproductions. Lewis was ready to supply them. He studied the carvings of the old European and American masters. He says his horses are carvd in the tradition of the old masterpieces, but he tries to maintain a distinctive style. He believes that the secret of a good carousel horse is to give it an exagerated look of animation.He tries for an overstated feeling of motion and action, and usually succeeds. Most of his horses look like they are about to jump off their brass poles and run away. As word of his creations spread, his work began appearing in prestigious galleries.
Now, most of his time is spent keeping up with the carousel horse orders. Carousel horses are not cheap.
Please view all picures as they are a part of the description. It is 43 years old. It appears there may have been a repair done on the top of the head.
Colors may appear slightly different due to lighting and screen differences. Items will be packaged well in order to prevent damage. NOTE: We are not experts in any field and give our best to describe the items listed. If additional questions or pictures requested please ask.