TOM ROBBINS (TomR)

Where are you from?
I was born in Missouri, but my family moved to Louisiana in 1976. Currently I am living in the small community of Melder, Louisiana.

When did you start carving?
I started carving in 2003. Even though I was interested in it as a kid, I did not have the resources to follow through with it then.

Why did you start?
I started carving for two reasons:
The first reason was because I was tired of hunting over carbon copy, plastic decoys.
The second reason was because I've always thought hand crafted decoys were beautiful and a vanishing art.

Favorite specie to carve?
I can't say I have a favorite specie to carve. Each specie holds its own beauty.

Favorite specie to hunt?
I enjoy hunting them all, even though I have yet to do any seaduck hunts. There is nothing more satisfying than watching cupped wings over blocks that I've created.

If you compete, what level (Novice, Intermediate, Open, etc.) and Category?
When I compete I enter either the Intermediate or Open class.

Most memorable win?
This would have to have been at the 2007 SLWC Show in Houma, La. It was an Open Class Division for a Feeder Decoy. I won BOS placing over our beloved RD Wilson. The ribbon and win was nice but the best part of it was when RD presented me with his feeder. It is my MOST cherished award.

Favorite Show?
Hands down my favorite show is World. To be able to meet all the great carvers from all over the world, and to see their birds up close is great.

Most influence on your carving style?
There are so many people who have influenced my carving style. Carl Danos, Jimmie Vizier, Pat Godin, Lori Corbett, Tom Matus, and Willy McDonald are people I would say have influenced it the most. Between carving with half of them and reading their books or website I feel that I have taken a little from each of them and have created my own style.

Who started you - mentor(s)?
I don't know if he counts, but Bruce Burk. I bought one of his books and tried "back yard" carving for about a year before I met Carl Danos at a show in 2004 and started taking classes with him.

Favorite medium? (Type of wood and paint)
I would say my favorite medium would depend on if I'm carving for myself or for a show. If I'm carving for my rig I prefer cork with a cedar bottom board and tail board insert, tupelo head. For shows I prefer tupelo to carve my birds and I use Traditions paints for all my birds.

What are you working on now? Future plans?
Anyone who knows me knows that this question is worded wrong. It should read "What are you NOT working on?" Right now I'm painting on an American Avocet, Mallard Drake and GWT Hen. I'm carving on a Pintail Drake, Red Breasted Merganser, Piebilled Grebe, Canvasback hen and about six other birds I can't think of right now.

My future plans are that I have a Cackler, Ross Goose, pair of Woodducks and another 12 or so birds cut out for my gunning rig. I'd like to cut out a Ruddy Turnstone and see how much information I retained from Del's class at World two years ago.

Favorite style of carving ( Decorative, antique, gunners, IWCA, shorebird)
I enjoy doing Fancy Gunners. I just enjoy the way they look while sitting on the water.

If you could add three birds to your collection, what specie and from whom?
I would have to say I'd want to get a Mallard Hen (gunner) from Pat Godin, Red Breasted Merganser Drake (gunner) from Keith Mullier, and a Pintail Drake (gunner) from Jimmie Vizier.

Most difficult part of carving in your mind?
For me the most difficult part of carving would have to be the painting side. Even though I hunt and have reference birds in the freezer, I still find it difficult to mix the right colors. I know that with LOTS of practice it will all fall into place.

What, or who, inspires you?
I think my biggest inspiration comes from other carvers. To me, nothing inspires me more than to see and hear people talking about carving, and seeing that twinkle in their eyes when they show off a new bird they've just finished. Knowing that what they have just completed comes from their heart and soul.

Name 5-10 essentials for carving
1. The will to carve
2. A good pattern to work from
3. LOTS of reference material
4. Pencils and sharpener
5. Sharp knives
6. Calipers
7. Micro-motor and assortment of bits
8. Quality brushes and paints you are comfortable using