About the artists

Roland Voghell has spent the last twenty-five years in the taxidermy business as owner and operator of a studio located near Innisfail, Alberta. Sculpturing a wide variety of life-size animal forms, Roland has developed expertise in the industry. The transition to carving antler came easily when he was asked to custom carve antler for some of his clients.

Jason Voghell, Roland's son, has worked in his father's studio for many years. Like his father, Jason exhibited both the talent and the creative drive to become an exceptional craftsman in the art of carving.

All pieces are hand-carved using shed moose antler. Antlers are grown by the bulls (males) starting in early April and are usually shed by the following February. Since antler is shed every year, with no threat to wildlife, it is indeed a renewable resource.

The process of carving is very detailed and time consuming. The design is first drawn out and from the drawing the antler is carved out very carefully with a high speed rotary tool. The most important tool is the bits. Roland and Jason both use surgeon and dentistry bits to create their works of art. For carvings to be presented on a base Roland hand-builds the base out of hardwood. The bottom of the base is lined to help prevent scratching. Each piece is also serial numbered, named and signed by the artist.

In addition to pieces available for sale Roland and Jason will gladly custom carve your own scene in either an antler supplied by them or your own antler. Roland and Jason have chosen wildlife themes for most of their carvings and each piece is reminiscent of Canadian wildlife habitat. The original carvings of Roland and Jason Voghell can be found in many private and corporate collections.

For more information contact either Roland or Jason at 403 227 2709 or by e-mail voghell@telusplanet.net