GLENN A. McMURDO
2009 MASTERPIECE CARVER

For the 39th Waterfowl Festival, Glenn McMurdo has been invited to exhibit as Masterpiece Carver, and a great blue heron is beginning to take shape and emerge from the huge block of wood it was just a short time ago. His great blue heron carving was commissioned as a retirement gift for a client who lives in Ontario, Canada. Apparently, a heron took up residence at the end of the client's dock, and he asked McMurdo to recreate this vision for him. McMurdo's masterpiece carving, known to its owner as "Heathrow," will be unveiled at the Waterfowl Festival in November.

Woodcarving for the first time in 1986, McMurdo quickly earned a reputation as a world class sculptor. He sculpts songbirds and birds of prey as well as his primary interest, waterfowl. The artistry of his carvings has taken an impressive 345 international and Canadian awards, with over 100 birds completed for competition since he began. The life-like characteristics of his works have made McMurdo carvings sought after for private collections throughout the world.

Being primarily self taught as a wildfowl sculptor led to extensive and ongoing research for McMurdo. To observe migratory wildfowl he has travelled from Chesapeake Bay to the Sultan Sea and from Hudson's Bay to Mexico. While watching live birds in their natural habitats he also captures them on camera to study later frame by frame. He has also purchased a wetland in southcentral Ontario to spend time becoming familiar with birds in their various attitudes. After studying, carving, and painting, he emerges with finished birds that look so soft and lifelike, many viewers refuse to believe they aren't looking at real feathers.

In addition to sculpting outstanding wildfowl to exhibit, for entry into competitions, and to fulfill commissions from collectors, McMurdo shares his knowledge of the woodcarver's art by teaching carving and painting throughout North America. He demonstrates woodcarving for the general public at the Ontario Science Center, art shows and festivals.

His interest in wildfowl continues to grow. McMurdo's future is certain to concentrate on wildfowl, while being diverse in activities. His plans include creating an aviary on his wetland property and travels with his wife, Katharine, in hopes of spending time watching birds in their natural settings. He'll continue to teach painting and carving in both Canada and the United States, and will be found exhibiting, judging, and entering competitions at major wildfowl shows. In between all of this, you can be sure McMurdo will have tools in hand creating works of art that you could mistake for a work of nature.

Please check this page often as the Waterfowl Festival draws nearer for updated photos.

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The 2011 Waterfowl Festival is supported by grants from the Maryland State Arts Council.
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