Don Alemany

Artist Biography

Wildfowl Carver
Wildfowl carving is a true North American art form. Its root is derived from Native Americans and early settlers making decoys to attract waterfowl closer. The more realistic the decoys the better they work. Wildfowl carving has evolved into something more than an object to hunt over. I see it as a fresh new art form. I prefer the realistic side of art. When viewing realistic paint I enjoy getting lost in the detail the artist used to create his piece. How the artist painted the light or shadow to create a mood or the fine detail in the veins of a leaf. While hiking it is common for me to stop and look at the detail of something nature has provided as if I am seeing it for the first time. The beauty and perfection that I view are mind-blowing. Birds and plants are the subjects that I find the most interesting. It is easy to see the details on a plant that gives its individuality but a bird is another matter. By creating highly detail realistic pieces I am trying to inspire the viewer to take a moment and enjoy the beauty nature has to offer.
The process starts with an idea from something that has been seen or experienced in nature. That is followed up by hours of research. The individuality of a bird is a bit harder to create and takes more work. I take the research and renders the bird into a clay model as close as I first envision it. With a model of the bird, I then design elements to come up with a composition that complements the bird and is eye-pleasing.
Using the clay model Don recreates the bird by carving it in wood and the elements are fabricated from metal or long last materials. The end result will be a realistic sculpture that will last a lifetime for others to enjoy.
Don takes great pride in being a signature member of Artist for Conservation. He supports the Algonquin Wildlife Research Station (https://www.algonquinwrs.ca/ ) and The Owl Foundation ( http://www.theowlfoundation.ca/). Part of the proceeds from the sale of his artworks will be donated to these not-for-profit organizations. His wildfowl sculptures can be view in the summer months at the Algonquin Art Centre https://algonquinartcentre.com/.