By Cindy Reed
The art of etchings is intriguing, and no one masters etchings quite like David Hunter. Etchings come so naturally to David, you'd think he was born with a needle and plate in hand!
David will be demonstrating this fascinating process live at the Gallery in Nags Head, NC on July 4th, 5th, and 7th. You'll personally see David's own style and techniques for mastering etchings. No scrolling. No pause. No replay. Just one amazing live art demonstration after another. David created a new etching that will be revealed at the show.
But first, let's look at an appetizer of five stunning masterpieces that David created for previous shows.
One of the first life-saving stations in North Carolina. Even after the U.S. life -saving service evolved into the U.S. Coast Guard in 1915, it remained in operation until 1954. Its remarkable 44-year service facilitated 177,286 lives saved, a record that is unmatched even to this day. 11 medals have been awarded to its amazing crews, including the Grand Cross of the American Cross of Honor.
The marsh at Bodie Island Lighthouse is home to abundant wildlife including herons, snapping turtles, blue crabs, and so much more. The Bodie Island Nature Trail is an extensive boardwalk for enthusiasts to experience its unique ecosystem up close. Viewing platforms take in the spectacular surroundings of unique flora, fauna, and shorebirds.
This is a fantastic view of Bodie Island Lighthouse through a window in the Double Keepers' Quarters. The keepers could see and easily access the lighthouse round the clock by living next to it. The Quarters housed two keepers and their families. The Double Keepers' Quarters and the Bodie Island Lighthouse are now part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. A fire in January 2025 struck and closed the Keepers' Quarters indefinitely while it is being repaired.
The Oregon Inlet Lifesaving Station was one of seven Outer Banks stations built in 1874. From the start, this station was confused with the 1874 Station. It was mistakenly named the "Bodie Island Station" even though it was actually on Pea Island, just south of Bodie Island. Names were swapped around for a while until they finally landed on a name with its own identity as the Oregon Inlet Lifesaving Station...which is on Pea Island...which is on Hatteras Island. Funny, and true!
Heralded as the "Move of the Millennium", the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was moved 2,900 feet inland in 1999 to protect it from falling into the sea. David etches this landmark event into history. 4,830 tons of lighthouse was moved on huge rollers over custom-built steel rails. It took over a year to plan, and 23 days to relocate the grand structure. The movers were Expert House Movers and the International Chimney Corporation.
David portrays significant moments in time with tranquil scenes. Create a pocket of time with David's etchings in your own space. Display favorites on a wall, or on top of a credenza. The possibilities are endless when you put these gorgeous etchings into an album, with acid free pages...a fantastic conversation piece when placed on a coffee table!
The Complete Etchings of David Hunter 1978 - 1991 (Volume I) by Chester Wardell Smith.
The Complete Etchings of David Hunter 1992 - 1999 (Volume II) by Melanie Smith.
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