Ziggie
Obidzinski
Interview
conducted
****
Zip
Code 48039
Phone (810) 765- 3754
Cell (248) 670 6820
**** Address, manuscript content, notes, any and all supporting
documentation SHALL NOT BE USED until reviewed and
approved by interviewee’s endorsed acknowledgement of its content and accuracy.
Background Mr. Obidzinski’s notoriety preceded this interview as
recounted by a half dozen reputable contacts documented in research notes over
the past several years. All of whom highly endorsed, encouraged and recommended
the contact be made based on his historical knowledge and activities.
Mr. Obidzinski, (Ziggie) was born in 1936. He
is a former employee of General Motors and worked at the
Passed on through his grandfather’s encouragement
John Karp, during his youth, Ziggie began applying the art of fishing at the
age of 13. Having learned to perfect his learned skills over the past five
decades, Ziggie is considered a master fisherman. His grandfather’s
encouragement broadened Ziggie’s talent as their close bond formalized and
provided interest in modifying existing tackle and making fish decoys. As
grandfather’s often do, he somehow found and took the personal time to instill
and encourage the next generation, becoming an important influence in
developing and molding his grandson to develop new techniques, constantly
improve his capabilities refining his talent and improving his ability to
increase his harvest of fish.
Ziggie, possesses extensive skills and
talents acquired during his tenure at GM in the field of tool making,
machining, model making, air brush painting and plastics. The majority of his
acquired talents and expertise applied in his current activities were refined
and achieved exclusively as life experiences while he worked at General Motors
in Research and
Ziggie’s
primary love and interest is in the art of carving fish spearing decoys, having
gained notable recognition among carvers in competitively judged events and
competition among his peers in the category “Spearing Decoys”. His enthusiasm as a practicing carver has
achieved Mr. Obidzinski, the recognition and noteworthy distinction among the
carving community of artists as being a master. Their endorsed acknowledgement
of his capabilities, apparent by the numerous first place ribbons and best in
show awards are prominently observed decorating his studio, adding not only to
the décor of the shop but more importantly to his undisputable mastered credentials
as a carver in judged World and National competition events.
Ziggie, also applies this
artistic talent manufacturing Musky fishing lures he produces in his shop
located at his residence overlooking the St Clair River. Known as “Bloody Eye
Lures” they are exquisite examples of his immeasurable talent. It is quite obvious that his artistic
endeavors provide him with an immense amount of personal satisfaction, pleasure
and enjoyment as enthusiasm radiates in all his carving and lure making
activities. The artist’s production of some of the most spectacular natural
representations of fresh water species of fish, native to Great Lakes are
masterfully depicted as “Spearing Decoys.” His Spearing Decoys are exhibits of
unmatched artistic talent demonstrating the kind of perfection others in the
carving world strive to replicate and achieve. His attention to detail in
reincarnating natures beauty in both wood and paint while capturing his subject’s
natural appearance is masterfully achieved so that others may enjoy for
generations to come the inherent beauty of his custom working style Spearing
Decoys. As working decoys, they’re incredibly realistic in appearance, balance
and extremely graceful, with their naturally spiraling swimming action. His
works exemplifies and demonstrates his incredible talent as an artist.
Ziggies diverse talents and extraordinary
limitless levels of skills and knowledge leaves you in awe, wondering just how
deep his acquired talents really go and how much further he will excel in
future challenges and endeavors that confront him.
A Michigan
Treasure and living legend, with much to share about the art and history
of fishing, Musky lure making and
carving. His highly regarded works and artistic talents are as timeless as he
is.
I hope to be given many more opportunities to
explore his extensive knowledge base and collectively collaborate on capturing
the rich history of this highly localized and unique sports fishing technique.
Wm
Bell