Bob Hand, Jr.

Bob hand Jr. grew up in Sag Harbor, New York, but now lives in Jersey City, New Jersey. In the mid 70’s Bob Hand Jr. created his first wildfowl carving, a Ruddy duck. Hand Jr. inherited his carving abilities from his father Robert Hand Sr., who is a full time carver. He first began competing at the Open level in 1990. Along with his father; Greg Woodard, Jett Brunet, Marc Schultz, Pat Godin were important influences on his carving style. In the beginning of his career Hand Jr. focused on carving decorative ducks, song birds, and raptors from a single block of wood. He is currently seeking a new artistic focus by observing artists outside of the wildfowl carving community and looking back to old carving legends such as Elmer Crowell, Arnold Melbye, Robert Elliston. He favors using tupelo wood and oil paints to create his decorative pieces.