GENE BAHR was born in Wellington, Alabama, on May 30, 1950. Growing up in the rural countryside, he spent his childhood exploring the hills and creeks around him and developing what has become a lifelong love of nature and wildlife.
Gene began his career in 1976 as a fish taxidermist. He began fish carving in 1984 and is considered a master fish carver among his peers. Inspired by this relatively new art form, he has watched its popularity quickly growing among everyone from sportsmen to art connoisseurs. He eventually stopped his fish taxidermy practice in 2000 to focus more on “Catch and Release” fish carving. He has spent his life studying fish anatomy and color, building an extensive collection of profiles, measurements, and photographs of the hundreds of fish that have passed through his studio. This archive allows him to produce beautiful, accurate, and long-lasting reproductions.
He has gained a deep understanding of the details of anatomy and color schemes in his work as a taxidermist, as well as his many years as an avid hunter and fisherman. Art has brought him to see color, form, balance, and composition with an artist’s eye. The perspectives of naturalist, artist and taxidermist blend together into each of his “Wildlife Creations.” While continuing a successful career in taxidermy, he has expanded into wildlife artistry and now creates with watercolors, oils, ceramic, fiberglass, wood, and bronze.
Gene lives in Sebago, Maine, in a Log cabin he built with his own hands. He has a detached studio and gallery where he can focus on his day-to-day commissions.
Gene lives with his partner, Donna, and his loyal German Short Hair pointer, Tilly.
Gene has a humble personality and is warm, genuine, and caring to anyone who encounters him. In this discussion with Gene, we will explore his relationship with his mentor and close friend, the late David Footer, as well as his life spent learning and perfecting the unique craft he excels at.
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Host: Michael Jones
Producer: Sheri Maines
Fly Line Podcast is distributed by Podbean.
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