Born in 1947, Harry Novak Jr. started carving around 1999 after retiring from a career of teaching Art, Computer Graphics and Literacy. Harry states that he has always wanted to work with wood and that he will always carve fish decoys; but now his carving are expanding to include birds and ducks. He makes realistic and working style fish decoys and fish plaques. Harry works with both acrylic and oil paints and all work is hand painted with a brush. He uses both hand and power carving techniques and also uses a burning tool for detail. Carving is a hobby for Harry now and it gives him a chance to express himself and to add to the very creative world of decoy making. It’s important for us all to keep fish decoy making alive and well.
Harry states “I am sort of a lone fish decoy carver here in my area of Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Although there are quite a few decoy shows and a world class carving museum nearby, I do not at this point compete or show decoys. I do go to shows and museums, though and enjoy my fellow carver’s work. I have a BFA in Fine Arts, an MA in Studio Arts and a Certificate in Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts in NYC, NY. I have studied with many fine painters, sculptors and graphic artists and enjoyed every minute of it.“
Harry S. Novak Jr.
3369 S. Somerset Ave.
Crisfield, MD 21817
Email handrnovak@aol.com
Photos & Bio
Submitted by Harry S. Novak Jr. 1/19/06