Bobcat
Sponsor: Students of Paul Smiths College
Carver: Bob Eck, carver of the Adirondack Carousel’s Bobcat has always been an outdoor enthusiast. Originally from Plattsburgh, NY, Bob enjoyed many years of Adirondack boating, fishing, hiking and even some skeet shooting, though ice fishing became his favorite winter activity.
Bob started working with tools early on in his Dad’s carpentry workshop. “I grew up with carpentry tools, fishing rods and shotguns in my hands,” he remembers.
If Bob wasn’t making some sawdust he was “experimenting with fishing lures and jigs or reloading shotgun shells for a shoot.” Combining creative woodwork and nature, Bob won a blue ribbon for his realistic Canvasback Drake waterfowl carving in 1973. Over the years, he’s studied carving with several professionals and continues to enter competitions. “I enjoy carving for the competitions. It forces you to design, carve and paint beyond your previous efforts.”
Bob’s 2003 saltwater reef fish carving, a Moorish Idol, won first place in that category at the World Fishcarving Championships. It’s not surprising that his early interest, ice fishing, has led to carving competition, deluxe style, jig sticks for the Fish Decoy World Championships. Bob is now a 7-time World Champion Jig Stick Carver.
Lately his subjects include endangered sea turtles, frogs and fish but he said, “The Bobcat is a very special carving for me. If just one child enjoys my creative effort it will have been worth it. I will feel honored.” Bob, and wife Robinn, reside in Ft. Lauderdale.
