Carver Spotlight

Henry T. Mayet

A native and resident of Cut Off, Louisiana, for the past 74 years, Henry T. Mayet started carving in 1990 after retiring from the oil field with Schlumberger Offshore in Larose. With the support of his wife of 55 years, Mrs. Irma, and his family. Henry started competing in carving shows from the Bayous of South Louisiana to the beaches of Ocean City, Maryland. He has received numerous awards for hsi works in these carving shows. In 1990 Henry started carving with his neighbor Ness Lafort and then started carving with Danos University Carvers (Carl Danos), which has helped him improve his carving and painting skills. For the past 23 years, Henry has carved many different species of ducks. He has also carved many birds, such as doves and shorebirds, which are among a few others of his works.

According to Henry, carving a duck decoy starts to come alive when you insert the eyes and apply the finishing touches prios to painting. The "Big Guy" mentions that the biggest thrill and enjoyment is carving with all of his many friends he has made over the years. Henry still attends classes with Carl and his good friends who have become an extension of his family. When the carving groups get together at least four times a week it is a motivation to push each other to strive and bring out the best in each one's ability. Henry is a major contributor in promoting the Art of Wildfowl carving and our Cajun Heritage. The Cajun Heritage Festival is proud to honor Henry Mayet as the 2014 Honoree.