Excellent Condition

Includes an Artist Signed, Hand Carved and Hand Painted Hollow Brant dated 1995, #1, with certificate. Certificate states "An antique replica of a New Jersey Decoy, Circa 1889" Large Size

Artist: John Jeffrey Barto of Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Information on Artist: In the late 1970's his interest in old decoys encouraged him to create these graceful masterpieces with his own hands. Soon the demand for his carvings made it a full time profession. His sculptures of birds and fish have hints of the predecessors through their elegant flowing design. Most are carved from his own live or photographic studies. After many sketches a pattern is drawn and transferred to a block of wood. The outline was cut with a bandsaw and from there the shape evolves using various carving knives and tools. When the finished form is smoothly sanded, selectively places markings are burned into the wood by hand with a stylus. Transparent hues of color then enhance the beauty of the wood grain which accentuates each piece by giving an inlaid appearance. A final patina-like finish completes his distinctive carvings of water fowl, shorebirds or fish. These find their way throughout the world as they attract collectors who appreciate their fine workmanship and heirloom value. 

Mr. Barto Passed away on October 31, 2008 at 65 Years old. He is well remembered for his talent as an artist craftsman specializing in carving graceful wood sculptures depicting birds, waterfowl and fish.