Cameron McIntyre (VA, b. 1968), Curlew

New Church, Virginia, circa 2000, carved and painted wood, signed in script CTM.

Length 17 in.

Cameron McIntyre was born in Beaufort, South Carolina and was introduced to hunting waterfowl and the appreciation of old decoys at an early age. The hunting experiences in the low country marshes in Wimbee and Combahee Rivers would not only instill a passion for hunting and conservation but also start an artistic appreciation for wildlife and the outdoor environment that supports it. His first formal education in art was at the University of South Carolina. From there, he studied under Willam McCullough, a local low country artist. Upon leaving the academic scene, he moved to the eastern shore of Virginia and was mentored in decoy making by his friend Grayson Chesser. Success was slow, but determination and skill would prevail into artistic impressions of extraordinary proportions. Today Cameron McIntyre may be the best modern decoy maker in the world. He carved one of a kind decoys that are inspired through his study of decoy styles and their makers. He is also quickly becoming one of America's finest landscape painters and was fortunate to have received the mentorship and friendship of Russell Chatham.
This fat hollow carved curlew is made in the manner of Eli Doughty.

Original.