Mallard, Clark Madera, Pitman, New Jersey, 1st quarter 20th century.
Augustus “Gus” Aaron Wilson
(1864 - 1950) South Portland, ME
Gus Wilson carved many of his decoys while working as keeper of Marshall’s Point Light and several other lighthouses. He spent sixty years of his life carving (ca. 1880-1940) and became known for the quantity and variety of his work. The majority of Wilson’s decoys is streamlined and solid and features flat bottoms, carved eyes and inletted necks.

Image 1: Augustus “Gus” Wilson, Monhegan Island Style Breast Preening Scoter.
Image 2: Augustus “Gus” Wilson, Feeding Rocking Head Black Duck with Mussel in Mouth.
Image 3: Augustus “Gus” Wilson, Black Duck.
Image 4: Augustus “Gus” Wilson, Rocking Head Black Duck.
Image 5: Augustus “Gus” Wilson, Black Duck.
Image 6: Augustus “Gus” Wilson, Flying Wood Drake.
Image 7: Augustus “Gus” Wilson, Carved Hooded Black Duck.
Image 8: Augustus “Gus” Wilson, Surf Scooter.

Stay smart and safe so today becomes tomorrow's yesterday!


TODAY IS NATIONAL PEANUT BUTTER LOVER’S DAY.
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  1. Wonderful carved decoys, Tom! I especially like #2 which looks so much like a feeding duck. Have a great weekend, my friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...and #2 have a wonderful privitive, folk art feel to it.

      Delete
  2. #3 is really cute. No Peanut Butter for me...

    ReplyDelete
  3. These are amazing! I love the detail and artistry in each one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...and duck decoys have a long and interesting history.

      Delete
  4. The decoy carvings are beautiful! Number 6 the wood duck is a favorite.
    Thank you for your critter post and sharing your link! Take care, have a wonderful weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...#6 looks so natural. Thanks for hosting, Eileen.

      Delete
  5. Duck decoys are amazing works of art, aren't they? Happy March to you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Those are all lovely carvings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...and they are a beautiful part of history.

      Delete
  7. Some decoys command incredible prices.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...while collecting these, I saw auction records of some selling in the $150,000 range.

      Delete
  8. I've always admired people who make them but these are especially beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  9. What an interesting art form! Not only carving of wood, but then painting in realistic manners...and I imagine they would float if anyone were so inclined!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...historically they were created to be used by hunters, many now are works of art!

      Delete
  10. Though their goal is deception, the swooping shape of these creatures provide a beautiful example of form for artists.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...yes, deception is their goal, some with more realism than others.

      Delete
  11. How beautiful. My son has carved a lot of ducks and birds and they are my favs. I'll eat some peanut butter today...wish you could join me! What kind of jelly do you want? Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...when I was a Boy Scout, I got "Finger Carving" Merit Badge! Grape of course.

      Delete
    2. You did great as a boy scout and I know you learned a lot. Grape it is!

      Delete
    3. ...and after I learned to stop the bleeding I got First Aid Merit Badge. Strawberry ain't bad either!

      Delete
  12. An interesting and beautiful form of folk art, Tom!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...folk art is a wonderful art genre.

      Delete
  13. Tom, I’m in admiration of your ability to come up with so many interesting posts! Decoys can be fascinating. I have a couple of miniature decoys on my book shelves. They are by no means rare or custom crafted, but they do add a neat look. Thanks for sharing and have a fine weekend. John

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...John, I have a bunch of interests and they keep keep my mind active. Just as decorative pieces, I have a few decoys. This weekend I have two John Pavlovitz essays, one was just published and the second will publish tomorrow at noon eastern time. Take care and be well.

      Delete
  14. I saw a duck decoy exhibit one year at (I think) the fall festival in Candor, NY. These decoys and the ones I saw in Candor are beautiful works of art. For some reason, #3 calls to me with its quacking beak.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...all art speaks to each of us differently. I'm glad that it quacked to you!

      Delete
  15. Beautiful art, Tom. I had a peanut butter sandwich for lunch today, I love it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...a peanut butter sandwich is the ultimate comfort food.

      Delete
  16. Hello Tom :)
    Your decoy collection is wonderful. They are beautiful carvings- I know little of their history but they have peeked my curiosity.
    Today is also a "White Rabbit" day!
    All the best
    Sonjia.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...as in "White Rabbit" the song written by Grace Slick and recorded by Jefferson Airplane? Thanks Sonjia, it doesn't take much to peek my curiosity.

      Delete
  17. These are interesting decoys and look good. I prefer the real thing, ducks are one of my favourite animals, they are so funny and great wee animals :-D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...and I enjoy the real deal too!

      Delete
  18. We had a friend who toyed in this art. Happy March to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...that would be fun to see, have a Marvelous March.

      Delete
  19. So nice to see these decoys they are so good and quite lovely.

    All the best Jan
    https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...thank you Jan, I hope that you are enjoying lovely weekend.

      Delete
  20. Interesting. Who knew?
    Happy March!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...hopefully now you do. I wish you a Marvelous March, Linda.

      Delete
  21. They are REALLY NICE. My friends dad carved a wooden duck for me years ago. Not a decoy though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...it should fit your decor nicely.

      Delete

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~4~

Stay smart and safe so today becomes tomorrow's yesterday!
7

I have constant craving for many things, here are some.

...white inside...

...and out...

...things to look forward to...

...beautiful but stormy...

...peaceful calm and somber...

...💛💙...

...making a joyful noise...

...an empty beach...

Linking to Nicole's Friday Face Off.

...RIP...

...a bright spot...

...and another...

...and another...

Linking to Thursday Art Date With Rain. This week's prompt is "Microphone."

...looking out my window...

...say goodbye from barn heaven...
29

What does Aloha Mean?

The true meaning of Aloha is the feeling of

Love, Peace and Compassion.

It’s a guideline of how to live.

A life of Aloha is one when the heart

is so full that it overflows with the ability 

to influence others around you with your spirit.
12

Stay smart and safe so today becomes tomorrow's yesterday!

SPRING BEGINS TODAY.
34

...and memories that words sometimes fail to convey~Stacy Martin.

...reflective moment...

...recent snow...

...snowdrops now...

...high rider...

...💛💙...

...the stare...

...falling water...

...open water...

...bright spot...

...getting ready...

...to fly a kite...

...for still hanging on...

...Lake Ontario in March...

...Pacific Ocean in March...

...wind blown...

...be true...

...lighting the way...

...until next time...
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About Backroads Traveller
About Backroads Traveller
I enjoy traveling the backroads of the Adirondack, Genesee Valley/Finger Lakes regions of New York State and beyond and photographing what I find. My special interests include Amish communities, barns and rural scenes, covered bridges, cobblestone houses and a wide array of strange and interesting things that I discover. Come along and enjoy the view along the backroads.
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