I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in 1951. I'm an Honour's graduate of the University of Manitoba and have been a wildlife carver for 26 years. I began to carve my specialty, fish, in 1993; inspired by the work of Bob Berry and James Fliger. In 1994 I started our studio, Namaycush Carvers, and began what has now become an increasingly satisfying "second career" as a carver, artist and instructor. I have completed numerous carvings of over one dozen species of freshwater game fish. Trophy Reproductions, song and shore birds are also featured in my repertoire.  Namaycush (pron. “NAH-may-coosh”) is an Algonquin word meaning “dweller in the deep”, referring to the Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush). This choice of name for our studio reflects both my life-long love of the outdoors, and my preference for Salmonids (trout, salmon and char) as carving subjects. 

I prefer working in basswood, utilizing both hand and power tools; and finish my pieces with acrylics. Paint is applied by hand, with an airbrush, or in a combination of these techniques. Tohickon™ museum-quality glass eyes are used whenever appropriate, or hand-made. I have a great deal of experience with mixed media, which I feel is an advantage when creating innovative habitat elements for a finished carving. 

It will be my pleasure to undertake commissions for fish, song, and shore bird subjects, including trophy fish reproductions. I also offer instruction through the Continuing Education program in the Louis Riel School Division in Winnipeg, and carving instruction at the Studio. My work has won many Canadian and International Awards, and I'm also pleased to be affiliated with DREMEL® Tools as a product demonstrator.