Meet the Artist

Ron Manning is a retired elementary school principal who now works full time from his studio in Summerland, British Columbia, Canada, creating finely detailed wildlife carvings. With more than twenty years of carving experience, Ron is known for his careful craftsmanship, expressive forms, and deep respect for the natural world.

Working primarily in yellow cedar, red cedar, basswood, and tupelo, each piece is hand-carved and finished with acrylic paint to bring out lifelike colour, texture, and movement. His work often leans toward realism, while many pieces also incorporate an artistic flair that reflects his personal style and interpretation of each subject.

Ron’s love of nature began early. Growing up, he spent countless hours hunting wildfowl and fishing alongside his father and brothers. One of his uncles created birds from driftwood found along the beach — a practice that fascinated Ron as a child and helped spark the artistic path he would later pursue.

While Ron has completed numerous commissions over the years, his studio practice is centred on creating original works that reflect his own vision and curiosity about wildlife. Select commissions are welcomed, but the focus of his website is to share new creations and finished pieces as they emerge from the studio.

Today, Ron continues to carve both one-of-a-kind collector pieces and occasional custom projects, collaborating thoughtfully with clients when the right opportunity arises. Each carving reflects decades of observation, patience, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors.