Biography

Russ was born in Jasper,Alberta, the son of a fisheries biologist. Living at the Fish Hatchery, on the banks of the Maligne River, he learned to appreciate nature, particularly the wildlife that surrounded the family home. On family walks along the river and nearby Lake Edith and Lake Annette, he learned to identify the many different species of birds that either lived there or stopped there during the migration periods.

He began carving birds almost three decades ago and has studied with notable wildlife artists such as Ted Trusz, the late Bob Guge, Jean Minaudier and World Champions, Pat Godin and Jeff Krete. His sculptures, which feature wildfowl, have won awards in juried shows and competitions across Canada’s four western provinces and at the prestigious Ward World Championships.

He was commissioned by the writer and producer of the television show “Decoys” to carve and paint a “Falcated Duck” that was featured in the series. The show aired on CBC’s Gem network.

Russ is a member of the Alberta Wildlife Carving Association and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Artists Association.