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Biography of Jon ‘Andy’ Anderson
Andy Anderson was born in northern Montana. He grew up with nature, hunting and fishing with his family. He chose a career in the Air Force and was stationed at Scott AFB, Illinois, when his interest in woodcarving was kindled. In the early 1980’s, while tagging along with his wife to numerous art fairs, he kept running into one particular wood carver. He said to his wife, “I’d like to do that.”
Shortly after taking his first woodcarving class, he was hooked. Within a couple of years of the first class, he was transferred to the East Coast, the epicenter of decoy woodcarving. There he had the opportunity to further his education by taking classes and attending woodcarving shows.
Andy began carving birds, specifically ducks. He became interested in songbirds and relief carving a few years later. After moving to the West Coast, he began fish carving, which has been his focus for the last several years.
Andy has entered his carvings in competitions and has received numerous ribbons, including ‘Best of Show.’ He received an award at the Ward World Fish and Wildlife Show in Ocean City, Maryland.
Andy has retired from teaching classes and judging woodcarving shows throughout the United States and Canada. Currently he carves for family and friends, with an occasional commission.
Andy said, “Wood sculpture has been a high point in my life as it and the wood sculpting folks are the most friendly and helpful anyone could experience. With the support from my best friend and wife, Christine, I could not have wished for a better life.”
