David “Corey” Lawrence was raised on Harkers Island, North Carolina. He never remembers a time that decoys and wildlife art wasn’t a part of his life. Son of the late David A. Lawrence (founder of the Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild & charter member of The Core Sound Waterfowl & Heritage Museum).
Lawrence currently serves on the executive committee of the same museum his father had the foresight to create.
Corey states, “I’m thankful that I was able to sit knee to knee with my father and carve with him. I like encouraging and helping others who have an interest in the art of decoy carving. I’m proud that my three sons have all carved and competed with their decoys just like I did. Each year we continue to carve stools for use in our personal hunting rig. Looking at our decoys never gets old, and watching them lure birds in brings a great sense of pride and for me, it’s a way of paying homage to a way of life that is fading fast.”
Lawrence is an active member of North Carolina Ducks Unlimited and has been commissioned for sponsor prints as well as decoys, paintings and signage across the state. Carvers from all over have “Decoy Signs” by Lawrence. More than a hundred signs have been sent across the United States.
Years of guiding hunting parties on the sounds and bays surrounding his island home instilled a keen eye for many species of waterfowl and is just another facet of what makes him synonymous with waterfowl. Numerous articles have appeared featuring Lawrence such as “Our State” magazine and appearances on shows from across his home state and also a PBS national program (Samantha Brown’s Places to Love) which recently aired with scenes from his carving shop.