The art of
scrimshaw is engraving done on pieces of ivory and ivory substitutes,
often with colors and tints added to accentuate the design. Its
origin as an American art form dates back to the early 19th century
when sailors on whaling vessels practiced it to fill the time
on long sea voyages. Scrimshaw was largely ignored until the 1960s
when President John F. Kennedy’s interest in it sparked renewed
attention. Today genuine scrimshaw in the form of teeth or whale
bone is highly collectible although very rare. Scrimshaw shows
you what you need to get started in the art form. Materials, including
legally obtained ivory and ivory-like materials are discussed.
Chapters on tools, patterns and transfers, and shading and coloring
will have you creating your own scrimshaw in no time. There are
also tips on telling genuine 19th century scrimshaw from a late
20th century reproduction. Last but not least, the authors present
a color gallery of scrimshaw to serve as inspiration.
68 pages.
8-1/2 x 11. Fully illustrated w/color photos and B&W line drawings.
Soft cover. $14.95. (2005) ISBN 1565232410
