TOM CORNICELLI (Capt. TommyC)
Where are you from?
East Moriches, Long Island NY
When did you start?
Started carving about 20yrs ago on and off and probably the last 15 full time.
Why did you start?
I was waterfowling at a young age and then started taking gunning parties and just wanted better looking decoys than what was being offered commercially.
Favorite specie to carve?
Favorite specie to carve is a tough question to answer. I enjoy doing so many different species, but for now I'll say Mallards.
Favorite specie to hunt?
As a full time guide for 28 yrs I love it all, but I'd have to say my favorite specie and way to hunt is field shooting for Canadas and any puddler that will come to the field.
If you compete, what level (Novice, Intermediate, Open, etc.) and Category?
I've competed in open, from regular gunners to slicks, but now of course enjoy the gunning pairs division the most.
Most memorable win?
My most memorable win was probably World Gunning Pairs each time I won. I was quite surprised and very fortunate.
Favorite Show?
I enjoy every show, especially the World. It's a great learning experience for me and I love to compete, although I will definitely be going to Westlake for the first time this upcoming show.
Most influence on your carving style?
I've benn influenced by so many - the Brunets, Jimmie Vizier, Kieth Mueller, but I'd have to say Pat Godin and Tommy Matus have had the most influence on my style. When I go to a show, the work of these two carvers will be the first I'll be looking at. They are always bringing new techniques and originality to this art form, not to mention all are valued friends!
Who started you - mentor(s)?
I kind of started on my own but met Capt. Fred Muhs at the National Decoy show and began carving with him and his son Jeff from Hampton Bays, NY. We'd carve together each year after the gunning season for World comp. That was the routine for quite some time and probably would have still continued that tradition, but unfortunately, Capt. Fred passed on to0 early - but I still stay in touch with Jeff, whose career as a flat artist has sky-rocketed.
Favorite medium? (Type of wood and paint)
I carve both in tupelo and cedar, and that depends on the piece I'm working on, and mostly use oil Ronan and Old Holland, but jumped back to acrylic recently for a change.
What are you working on now? Future plans?
I'm working on orders. Right now, I'm about to stipple amd comb a sprig, a contemporary bird for a client. My future plans - I'm going to carve a three bird rig if its the last thing I do - been wanting to compete in that catagory for years, we'll see.
Favorite style of carving ( Decorative, antique, gunners, IWCA, shorebird)
Favorite carving is gunners what else?
If you could add three birds to your collection, what specie and from whom?
Three birds from whom - hmm - I don't know if I can answer that at this time - just too many great carvers to choose from. Three wouldn't cut it at all for me.
Most difficult part of carving in your mind?
Evevry piece I start can get difficult to a degree, because I can change an attitude from what I originally started out to do, which in a way bothers me at times, and obviously can cause difficulty, but fortunately, I seem to work it out.
What, or who, inspires you?
After going to World comp always lights me up with a ton of inspiration and seeing all the great pieces - but honestly again I have to say that Pat and TGun always light a huge fire under me when it comes to being inspired!!
Name 5-10 essentials for carving
Essentials - studying your specie and getting to to know it to the best of your ability, great reference which applies to the aforementioned from study birds to images, everything you can get your hands on to assist you during your whole process from the carving to the painting, the best you can afford when it comes to your tools, paint, brushes etc., field study works great for me, it helps me tremendously nailing a specie enough to make it project.