November 2023 - Bill Hunt

When you cross the bridge between the worlds of art and business, you’ll likely find Bill Hunt at its nexus. A fusion of over 50 years in marketing and sales with a passionate talent for wood carving, Hunt showcases the symbiotic relationship between the two worlds in a way that’s both intriguing and inspiring.

While many artists find the sales side of their business daunting, Hunt thrives on it. His extensive background in marketing and sales hasn’t just made him adept at creating captivating promotional materials and art show booths— it has also honed his interpersonal skills. “Having been in direct sales,” Hunt reflects, “I enjoy interacting with people and helping them make the decision to buy my art.”

Hunt’s pieces are a blend of history and nature. He carves using 100-year-old cedar fence posts from the pioneer sheep and cattle ranches of Central Oregon, transforming them into stunning decoys and owls. With exacting precision, he crafts duck heads complete with taxidermy glass eyes, often leaving a section of the natural wood untouched. “I strive for motion in the wood, indicating wings,” he explains, adding a dynamic layer to his static creations.

Hunt’s creative process is an intimate dance between man and material. Preferring wood with natural curves and blemishes, he believes these imperfections enhance the character of the finished piece. Using a combination of bandsaws and handheld power carving tools, Hunt meticulously shapes, sands, and finishes each piece, all while ensuring the wood’s inherent beauty shines through.

Nature, in all its infinite forms, inspires Hunt. Yet, his journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Moving from being a successful independent real estate broker to the corporate world of Century 21 in California required adaptability. But Hunt’s resilience and ability to listen and learn proved invaluable. “I quickly learned that when I had a great idea that could impact their department, it was better to give it to them and let them take the credit,” he recalls of navigating corporate dynamics.

Emerging artists can learn much from Hunt’s experiences. His advice? Start small, seek feedback, and adapt. He stresses the importance of engaging with potential buyers and emphasizes that rejection should not be a deterrent. “If you never ask, you never get!” he says.

Going forward, Hunt aims to focus on referral business and custom work, and he has his sights set on high-end home furnishing establishments in Central Oregon. Throughout his journey, the Dry Canyon Arts Association has played a pivotal role, providing platforms like the Spring and Fall Shows and First Fridays. These events have bolstered Hunt’s reputation as a unique wood carver in the region.

Yet, with all the art he has produced, one piece remains especially dear to him—a fence post duck he crafted in his garage. Modeled after a piece he purchased in Alaska, Hunt’s creation now sits proudly next to the original inspiration in his den. A testament to his journey