He earns his living doing work he's passionate about, guiding waterfowl trips in the winter and charter fishing trips in the summer.  In the shoulder season, he simply carves.

His life-sized decoy and fish carvings are sold through word of mouth, and range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars in price.  Last year Russel sold about eight pieces, to collectors both on and off Ocracoke.

Russel barters for his workshop space, which sits over Silver Lake in an old fish house.  It smells like salt water and evergreens.  Oyster shells and retired fishing gear are strewn about.

Rodney Mason was lounging in a chair and chatting with Russel, who had just finished a Canada goose, and was sanding a wahoo.  He will complete three or four more pieces this year, including some commissions for clients of his guide services.

"I started carving decoys when I was about 15 years old," said Russel.  "My mother was an art teacher.  She took up wood carving while we were living on Knott's Island."  Russel followed his mother, who soon began receiving accolades, into the world of decoy carving shows and competitions.

He got started at the Mid-Atlantic Waterfowl Festival and participated in the Core Sound Decoy Festival for about six years.  "I've got a shoe box full of competition ribbons somewhere," said Russel.

He excelled at carving decoys that floated like ducks and self-righted when waves knocked them over.  "I use to carve decoys and hunt over them," said Russel.

About 15 years ago, Russel began carving fish.  "When I moved to the beach I did a wahoo for Mike Kelly of Kelly's Restaurant in Nags Head.  I took Lisa there for Valentine's Day, and we were seated right under it.  Lisa didn't believe me, so I stood up on the table and pulled it off the wall to prove it," said Russel, who has never been known to shy away from a good time or a friendly challenge.

All of Russel's detailed work is one of a kind.  Each piece starts with a hand drawn pattern that he cuts out and lays over a piece of wood, usually white pine, tupelo, juniper or cottonwood.  He is always on the lookout for large pieces of unmilled soft wood. 

In addition to his years of careful observation, Russel uses "lots of reference material" to ensure each piece is true to life. 

A few people have commissioned mermaids, said Russel.  "Were those life-sized?  What kind of reference materials did you use?" Rodney was quick to ask.   (I'll leave the ensuing comments to your imagination.)

Troy Mayo, out walking his dog, popped his head in, and Russel, always hustling for work, offered to carve him a life-sized mermaid, for the right price. 

To see more photos of Russel's work, and to get in touch with the artist, please visit his facebook page.