Scrimshaw

Scrimshaw has been described as a true American art form. For hundreds of years, Eskimos have been decorating their tools and artifacts to tell a story. Whalers of the 18th and 19th centuries would scrim whale teeth or pieces of bone to pass the time on year long voyages.

Having always been facinated with this beautiful art form, I was no longer satisfied just to sit on the sidelines to admire other artisans works. So, after reading many books and magazines, studying different techniques and practicing for many hours on countless pieces, I feel that I can join the ranks of other Scrimshanders. Whether I am scrimming or even carving on Mammoth Ivory, there is no shortage of subject material here in Southeast Alaska.

Mammoth Ivory is my medium of choice to make jewelry and fine display pieces. Hair barrettes are made only when a good quality piece of ivory is on hand. The hair barrette is the only product that I use elephant ivory for, and that ivory is "PRE-BAN" ivory, meaning that it has been in the United States BEFORE 1972.
I use both fine line and stippling techniques, of which stippling is hundreds if not thousands of tiny dots to capture fine detail.

Let me add here, that I also do commission work. About 80% of my business consists of custom orders so if there is something that you would like but do not see, please inquire about it and I'll see what I can do.