Joe McCuaig is a self-taught woodcarver and painter who lives off the beaten track in Copemish, Michigan. He stands 6'8" and worked for a time as security at rock concerts. He worked as well on a variety of construction projects and would show up on weekends at flea markets with his family selling his walking sticks and carved fish plus other odds and ends. As his work became more popular he began carving larger animals and deep relief carvings. He signs his work JM with a brand made out of a coat hanger.