Deeply sensitive to environmental issues, Mr. Ireland has become an important activist for protection of the fauna through several international organizations. Disturbed in particular by the marked decline in over 250 species of ducks throughout the world, master sculptor Ireland is introducing a series of duck decoys, sculpted in wood and painted by hand. Highly valued for their remarkable precision and attention to detail, they are also remarkable for their sense of living fluidity. The originals have all been bought by private collectors from Europe and North America , and are considered to be the works of a true master.
Included in this exquisite collection are red-breasted mergansers, mallards, and buffleheads, as well as the smaller, colorful teal and wood ducks. The patience and meticulous care required for the creation of these small wonders are both astounding and immediately evident at close range.In order to reach out to a wider audience, Mr. Ireland is now working on a combination of new techniques involving molds, and has created the banner “Waterfowl Collection,” better to offer his works at moderate prices. In 1997, with the project Scandiaca, Mr. Ireland put a limited edition of 500 copies of an original, life-size wood carving of a snowy owl on the market. With the proceeds, he was able to make a sizeable donation to Ducks Unlimited, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of wetlands.
This snowy owl, dubbed Scandiaca, required two months research on the twelve different feathers comprising the bird's plumage. All are faithfully duplicated in Mr. Ireland 's rendition, one which required seventy-five hours of labor and the development of new, more flexible resins. A magnificent piece born of social responsibility, it will be officially presented to Premier Gary Filmore of Manitoba on the occasion of the 60 th anniversary of Ducks Unlimited It will also serve as the principal attraction of the Waterfowl Exhibition, sponsored by Environment Canada, and at the Windsor Wood Carving Museum. A bronze casting of the carving will be installed on the grounds of Barron Park in Lachute, facing the town hall. It will be the artist's last waterfowl carving.
Ireland is introducing a series of duck decoys, sculpted in wood and painted by hand. Highly valued for their remarkable precision and attention to detail, they are also remarkable for their sense of living fluidity. The originals have all been bought by private collectors from Europe and North America , and are considered to be the works of a true master. 
All are faithfully duplicated in Mr. Ireland 's rendition, one which required seventy-five hours of labor and the development of new, more flexible resins. A magnificent piece born of social responsibility, it will be officially presented to Premier Gary Filmore of Manitoba on the occasion of the 60 th anniversary of Ducks Unlimited It will also serve as the principal attraction of the Waterfowl Exhibition, sponsored by Environment Canada, and at the Windsor Wood Carving Museum. A bronze casting of the carving will be installed on the grounds of Barron Park in Lachute, facing the town hall. It will be the artist's last waterfowl carving. 