A self-taught artist, Bob has been carving since 1972 and was strongly influenced by his father, who made hunting decoys. As his father's pieces became more sophisticated and entered competitions, Bob's interest in birds and art grew. In a short time, puttering as a novice carver blossomed into a professional, artistic pursuit of wood sculpturing. Bob was also influenced by Harold Haertel and other artists.
Bob's many years of observing birds in the wild and studying the nuances that make each species unique, combined with careful scrutiny of photographs and preserved specimens, has honed his ability to capture the life essence of each bird in exquisite detail. A large population of birds migrate through his hometown area enabling Bob to study a wide variety of birds. Field research remains a priority when traveling throughout the country for exhibitions, competitions, and pleasure. Attention to distinctive facial details is a hallmark of his artistry. Bob's style over the years has changed from intricate, heavily textured carvings to a softness that is worked into each bird. He tames the harshness of a Blue Jay into a pensiveness that ensures attention appreciation, qualities necessary for all works of art.
Carve a Saw-Whet Owl with Bob Guge - 3.8.13
Carve a Saw-Whet Owl at the Guge Institute of Wildlife Art with Professional Wood Sculptor and Instructor Bob Guge. The Saw-Whet Owl will be 2/3 scale, and will be at the studio in Gilberts, IL. Download Bob's Class Schedule Here or, for classes at the Guge Institute of Wildlife Art download the class schedule here.
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New Website!
9.19.08 - Welcome to the new Wings in Wood website. The new website features an organized store for Smoothie Sculptures as well as Detail Sculptures. The stores are organized by the bird's habitat. Learn more about how the website works here.
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What's Available?
Smoothie Sculptures, Detail Sculptures, Study Casts and Teaching Aids, Classes around the country, and Classes at the Guge Institute in Gilberts, IL are all available year round. If you see anything you like, Bob is able to carve it on commission, so if it's not available Wings in Wood can make it happen!
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