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Mike is a wood sculptor specializing in wildfowl. His work ranges from whimsical--golf ducks-- to life-size, realistic carvings and interpretive pieces. He has studied with world-renowned carvers Floyd
Scholz, Jim Sprankle, Bob Guge, and J. Christopher White.
Hinkle carves almost entirely with power tools--from chainsaws to dentist's bits. He uses various woods but prefers tupelo (a light close-grained white wood) for realistic carvings; Texas mesquite and juniper are used for interpretive pieces. Lifelike carvings are envisioned in their entirety from pose, color, and style of base before a single cut in the wood is made. The pieces are brought to life by creating a soft, natural look with acrylic paints. An interpretive work, however, reveals itself as Hinkle cuts and shapes the wood without a clear idea of where a particular piece of wood will finally take him.
Much of Mike Hinkle's inspiration comes from working with birds of prey at San Antonio's Last Chance Forever where he has volunteered for more than eight years.
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"Curiosity" (Bewick Wren and Monarch Butterfly),
"Pintail Hen Golf Duck",
"Wren in Cedar"
(from top left, clockwise)
"Harpy Eagle"
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