Artist Archives - scrimshaw.com

Tag: Artist

Mystery Artist 50 – Bessa – Solved!

Posted on September 5, 2019August 10, 2020 by Andrew Perkins

Another beautiful piece more than likely originating in Portugal, it depicts a three masted ship with a lighthouse in the foreground. The owner “came across this whale tooth at a small antique shop in Branson, Missouri, about 30 years ago. It was delight at first sight! I remember the price tag had “From the Azores” written on it. It measures 6″ x 2.5″, and is heavy for its size. It makes one wonder how many Giant Squid this thing’s clamped onto.”

The owner continues: “…
If you’re a fan of sailing ship rope-ladders,…and who isn’t? Then enjoy, because there’s about 18 of them. “

A beautiful piece. anyone who knows of or knew Bessa? We’d all enjoy hearing more about this artist. Leave comments below.

Update 2020-07-14 – Richard sent me a note via “questions[at]scrimshaw.com” stating: ” M Bessa had a small shop in the town of Praia da Vitoria on the island of Terceira, Azores, Portugal. I was stationed at Lajes Field for 3 1/2 years [approximately 1980] , while serving in the USAF, and spent many hours in his shop talking and watching him work. …” He also sent another photo of on an original M Bessa on a wood pedastal. Thanks Richard!

An original Bessa via Richard, depicting a ship in the background with a whale and a skiff and sailor in the foreground. — Another M Bessa via Richard

Richard writes: “I’m glad the owner was pleased with what little information I could provide. It was so long ago, but it brought back lots of fond memories. The Azores is a magical place.I’ve attached a few more pictures. I hope you enjoy them.”

Thanks again, Richard. I hope to someday find my way to the Azores and to Portugal – Lisbon would be a wonderous day trip, though I’m sure the Azores would be where I would fall in love with the culture and the land. Below are a few more pics from Richard:

Vertical Whale tooth with scrimshaw of a whaling ship in full sail by M Bessa

Bessa and Gaspar receipt from the pre-internet days.

Mystery Artist 43 – Wilk from Alaska

Posted on August 11, 2018November 25, 2018 by Andrew Perkins

Scrimshaw of Alaskan

A beautiful piece created in Ketchican, Alaska by E. Wilk, the owner would love to have more information about the artist, if they’re still scrimshawing,

etc.:

“I purchased this beautiful scrimshaw work in the mid 1980’s from a Gallery in Ketchikan, Alaska E. Wilk was from Bellingham. Do you have any current information on this artist? This scrimshaw was on the cover of a Northwest magazine at the time. I have a copy of it somewhere around here…”

“Thanks for your help.

“Best,

“Jennifer[…]”

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Write your comments in the area below.

Mystery Artist 41 – Curtis from the 1980’s

Posted on August 6, 2018November 25, 2018 by Andrew Perkins

From Hal:

“I am a knife collector in the St. Louis. MO area and acquired a knife with a scrimshaw of an elk head signed Curtis ’84 and would like to get more information about the artist and possibly the knife maker.

“My research points to a Jean E. Curtis of Lansing, MI as the artist but I am unable to find any additional information about her. I would like to get information about her work and if possible, contact her to see if she has any additional information about the knife.

“Local knife makers, collectors, and dealers agree that the scrimshaw is impressive. They also think the handle scales are possibly some form of ivory, though probably not elephant.

“The knife also has a logo/trademark on the blade with Cantini – Weirton, WV. I’ve contacted RW Knives of Weirton, WV a custom knife maker (rwknives@comcast.net) and they had no information.

Cantini seems to be a popular name and I’ve spent a lot of time going through logos and trademarks with no success so far.

Any information about the scrimshaw or knife would be greatly appreciated.”

Anyone know the knifemaker or the artist? We’d love to know. Respond in the comments section below.

Mystery Artist 36 – Eagle Scrimshaw with Signature “Andhi”

Posted on June 4, 2017June 4, 2017 by Andrew Perkins

This is a fascinating piece. Both a carving and a sculpture, it’s beautiful work that has been well cared for. The base edge and the general shape makes it appear to be a sperm whale tooth.

The artwork is in full color,expertly scrimmed with a spartan background that balances the work nicely.

The signature “Andhi” has some artistic flourishes to the left of the first initial. My impression is that it may have come from Hawaii, but I could be way off.

Any ideas? The owner would love to know more about the artist. Reply in the comments below, and any more information I can get I’ll add to this post. Signature on the bottom of the eagle head scrimshaw and sculpture - "Andhi"

Michael Cohen Site Update

Posted on September 14, 2013September 14, 2013 by Andrew Perkins

Scrimshawed harbor scene by Michael Cohen with a ship setting sail and people waving from the dock — Harbor Scene by Michael Cohen

Michael Cohen, a longtime scrimshaw artist has recently updated his site. His work includes Ships, Mermaids, Native Americans, Fantasy, Wildlife, Pin-Ups and more. He works mainly on mammoth ivory and the detail is amazing. He was employed by the Alaska Silver and Ivory Company in Bellingham, Washington back in 1973 when there was a renewed interest in scrimshaw that lasted until the 1980’s, then became a freelance artist to this day.

Michael also does custom scrimshaw on request. Please visit the sites below for inquiries on custom scrimshaw.

The pricing for his work is a real bargain for collectors and non-collectors alike. You can see and purchase some of his work at this site:

http://lizsumner.com/mcscrimshaw/

Working in scrimshaw and other mediums, Michael’s main site is:

http://michaelcohenart.com/