Measuring 13½" long and 7"high, this elegantly hand carved Hooded Merganser Drake was hand painted by A. James Bartlett.

Jim’s carvings are represented in public and private collections throughout the United States and the United Kingdom.

“When I get inspired to carve, I don’t just sit down with a piece of wood and begin. I first create an image of a bird in my mind and contemplate how I am going to carve it.” Jim uses the skills he learned as an advertising director and illustrator and as a private painting instructor to create unique wildfowl sculptures. Jim started carving in 1988 and gives much credit for his success from having studied at the famous Wendell Gilley Museum in South West Harbor, Maine, where resident carver, Steve Valleau covered everything from “cutting out the black” to adding finishing touches.  Jim carves from basswood and paints with Jo Sojna’s acrylic paints. Jim endlessly enjoys the fact that he can take a block of wood and slowly transform it into an animal of his choice, thus bringing it to life.

Jim is a featured artist at the renowned Ducktrap Bay Trading Co. in Camden, Maine.  Other pieces can be found at http://www.ducktrapbay.com/.

This item was donated in honor of Phyllis Marie Bartlett.