Oklahoma artist Brooks Wilson has been carving decorative duck decoys for as long as he can remember. Growing up in Big Cabin and now living in Langley, Brooks is a second-generation woodcarver. When he was younger, he was involved with the family business, Wilson’s Decoys, which was established by his parents, Michael and Sylvia Wilson in 1978.
In 2020, Brooks returned to his artistic roots with waterfowl and songbird woodcarvings. His creative spark was reignited as he began to explore new mediums, including watercolor paintings and acrylic paintings.
After experiencing some heart health challenges in 2021 and with strong encouragement from his wife, Shelly, Brooks opted to retire from construction and pursue his art full-time. He envisioned his dream studio shortly before Christmas 2022 and immediately began construction on it himself.
Attention to detail was given in every aspect of the space, much like his woodcarvings and paintings. Brooks lovingly refers to his studio as his “happy painting place,” and he looks forward to painting in it every day that he is not in the woodshop carving.
Rather than exhibiting at numerous art shows as he has done in the past, Brooks has opted to focus on building inventory for his gallery space. He is also investing more time in creating specialty pieces mounted on driftwood scouted at Grand Lake. These detailed carvings have allowed him the opportunity to expand his creativity as well as his carving and painting skills.
As a lifelong artist, Brooks believes art is meant to be fun rather than feel like a tedious chore. He is now choosing to pursue his passions and to create the art that brings him joy.
Brooks Wilson 