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Michigan Heritage Awards
Arts Nomination Form
Community Leadership Nomination Form
^ MHA Awardees List ^
Photo courtesy of Ken Krum
1995 awardee, Marshall (Calhoun County), decoy carver
Ken K. Krum (1914-2003) has been carving duck hunting decoys for nearly
50 years. His carving style is firmly connected to the traditional functional
purpose of decoys; Ken's decoys are meant to be hunted over. They are considered
good when they are effective, and his decoys have been effectively used
many times to lure waterfowl from the sky to his dinner table.
Ken credits lifelong friend and hunting partner, Dr. Miles D. Pirnie, as
the primary influence on the design and carving of his decoys. Miles, well
known in the Michigan waterfowling community for his depth of knowledge
about waterfowl and waterfowl hunting, helped hone Ken's skills of observing
and replicating the details that distinguish one waterfowl species from
another. Willy McDonald, another fellow carver and duck hunting partner,
once asked his friend why no two decoys in his set looked alike. Ken answered
that it was his observation "that feeding Mallards display various attitudes
ranging from quiet to aggressive." Willy realized Ken's goal was to duplicate
the flock. (1)
Ken has always been willing to share his skills with others but only recently
was made aware of the influence he himself could have on future generations
of carvers. To this end he has taught both his son and grandson to carve.
"Grandpa Krum" has passed on to them and many others a rich heritage in
the production of a unique art form and a deep appreciation for nature.
Recently Willy curated "Artful Deception," an exhibition that examined the
work of several regional Michigan decoy carvers and their influence on each
other. Ken's work was included for several reasons: it remains true to the
original intention of this carving tradition--the creation of working decoys
for use in hunting; it reflects his lifelong commitment to the craft; and
it demonstrates his development as a tradition bearer over the course of
his lifetime.
(1) McDonald, Willy. "How to Carve a Hunting Decoy" http://theduckblind.com/cyberclassroom/huntingdecoyarticle1.htm
15 May 2002.
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