SCRIMSHAW ARTIST View all David Smith scrimshaw pieces David Smith is entering his third decade of a full time career as a scrimshander. Over the years he has become well known as a Master Scrimshander, having received numerous awards and recent submission into the American Art Museum Library at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. […]
“Bluenose and Elsie” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth ivory tusk bark by David Smith. Two famous fishing schooners, Bluenose and Elsie, race to the Great Banks fishing area. These were designed to be both speedy and beautiful. In fact, the Bluenose is on the Canadian dime. Speed was of the essence, as the first back to the market received the highest price. Note the seamen on board the schooner. Smith’s excellent detail, as usual.
“Arctic Intruders” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory bark by David Smith. A lone Native hunter stands transfixed by the appearance of a whaler. The whaler has appeared unseen out of the fog, although the hunter could discern voices over the frigid water. Somehow, he had the feeling that nothing would ever be the same. Smith’s stipple work has never been better. Note the way he has left just a small orb of the ivory unworked, giving the impression of a shaft of weak sunlight shining upon the Native hunter. Every outstanding piece tells a story. Masterful!
“Barn Owl Watching” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory slab by David Smith. Alert barn owl scouring a field looking for a meal. Nice touch with the barbed wire. Note how the light on the fence post comes from the left. Small details like this set Smith’s work apart. The barn owl is the most widely distributed species of owl in the world and one of the most widespread of all species of birds. Done on a very large slab of walrus ivory, this is from the collection of one of our clients who is no longer with us.
“Cape Hatteras Light Cufflinks” color scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by David Smith. Incredible detail by master scrimshander, Smith. Set in sterling silver, these will be worn with pride by both men and women for years and years.
“Compass Rose Cufflinks” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by David Smith. Incredible detail by master scrimshander, Smith. Set in sterling silver, these will be worn with pride by both men and women for years and years.
“Sankaty Light Cufflinks” color scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by David Smith. Incredible detail by master scrimshander, Smith. Set in sterling silver, these will be worn with pride by both men and women for years and years.
The Sankaty Head Light is a lighthouse located on Nantucket island. It was built in 1850, was automated in 1965, and is still in operation. It is located at the easternmost point of the island, in the village of Siasconset. It was one of the first lighthouses in the United States to receive a Fresnel lens.
“Clipper Ship Cufflinks” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by David Smith. Incredible detail by master scrimshander, Smith. Set in sterling silver, these will be worn with pride by both men and women for years and years.
“Compass Rose Cufflinks” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by David Smith. Incredible detail by master scrimshander, Smith. Set in sterling silver, these will be worn with pride by both men and women for years and years.
“Schooner Cufflinks” color scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by David Smith. Incredible detail by master scrimshander, Smith. Set in sterling silver, these will be worn with pride by both men and women for years and years.