Brian is from Prior Lake, Minnesota. He started carving fish decoys in May 2010 as an extension to the sport of Darkhouse spearing and to carve his own spearing decoys. Brian was born in 1960.
He started Darkhouse spearing in early 2008 and from that beginning has (as of 2011) won 20 ribbons from three (3) different states (MN, OH, MI). He other awards from 3rd Best of Show to 1st through 5th place. Only Brian carves in his family.
He wrote to me that he only carves about 30 decoys per year and that he uses bass word for his decorative decoys and cedar for his working decoys. For paints he mostly uses acrylics but has used oils as well.
He hand carves and hand paints his decoys so far.
Now in early 2012 he is getting his first six decorative decoys ready for competition and they will have burned in scales and carved alum. fins.
You can contact Brian at:
creativetouchdesigns@centurylink.net
Brian Shallbetter
Photos and info provided by Brian Shallbetter