ROBERT HAND, Sr.

Where are you from?
I live in Sag Harbor, Long Island, New York. I have a large shop and storefront that is connected to my house.

When did you start?
I carved my own hunting decoys 50 years ago and began carving professionally in the 1970's.

Why did you start?
I saw a decorative bird and thought "I could do that..."kept persevering and was hooked.

Favorite specie to carve?
I like them all. Some favorites are hen puddle-ducks, gadwalls, canvasbacks and cedar waxwings.

Favorite specie to hunt?
If it flies...(you can figure out the rest)

If you compete, what level (Novice, Intermediate, Open, etc.) and Category?
Open level

Favorite Show?
The World Championship in Ocean City, MD

Most influence on your carving style?
In the early years I was influenced by the Ward brothers and Shang Wheeler. My son Bob inspires my decorative work and teaches an old dog new tricks.

Who started you - mentor(s)?
An old carver in Westhampton named Chuck Watson used to tell me how horrible my birds were. Made me work harder and get better. That is what a mentor does, isn't it?

Favorite medium? (Type of wood and paint)
Tupelo, white cedar and acrylic paint.

What are you working on now? Future plans?
Redhead and hen mallard competition decoys. A Robin, two waxwings a blue-bird and a cardinal, among other things. Looking forward to a ruffed grouse and a red-tailed hawk some time in 2009. I would also love to make a smoothie blue-goose but am having trouble getting reference (not many of these come around this end of Long Island).

Favorite style of carving ( Decorative, antique, gunners, IWCA, shorebird)
Decoratives, Traditional Gunners, Smoothies...I like them all. I enjoy painting most of all.

If you could add three birds to your collection, what specie and from whom?
Ward pintail, Wheeler black duck and a Lincoln goose

Most difficult part of carving in your mind?
When I first started, painting was the most difficult but after some focus, it's become my favorite part. Now working on good flow, refining patterns and composition. There is always something to learn.

What, or who, inspires you?
I'm more inspired now that Bob, Jr. is back into carving. It's a lot of fun working together and sharing ideas. Also, my nephew Aaron Rozzi has shown a lot of interest and talent. It's good to have new blood around and to think that the tradition will not be lost.

Name 5-10 essentials for carving
1 - Desire
2 - A good pattern (like building a house)
3 - Reference
4 - Patience
5 - Good tools and a comfortable work chair