Mark Thogerson
Artist's Statement
I first saw scrimshaw as a teen, and it immediately captivated me. The combination of its nautical history, attention to detail, and a dare from my mother sealed the deal. I have been practicing the craft ever since.
While many modern scrimshanders produce photo-realistic images using a pneumatic engraver, I stay close to the nautical roots of the craft by using a single hand tool – a metal scribe – to make all the lines and shading I use in each piece. I use only natural materials: fossil and recycled ivory and antler.
About half my subject matter is nautical. The remainder consists of wildlife, flowers, and traditional designs. Being a professional biologist, I make their images as accurate as I can. I make a variety of items: jewelry, desk accessories, antler cribbage boards, and hunting knives. Recently I have started to make larger display pieces. It has allowed me to explore new things in the creation of my art, and use other materials to make the custom display bases for each piece.
While many modern scrimshanders produce photo-realistic images using a pneumatic engraver, I stay close to the nautical roots of the craft by using a single hand tool – a metal scribe – to make all the lines and shading I use in each piece. I use only natural materials: fossil and recycled ivory and antler.
About half my subject matter is nautical. The remainder consists of wildlife, flowers, and traditional designs. Being a professional biologist, I make their images as accurate as I can. I make a variety of items: jewelry, desk accessories, antler cribbage boards, and hunting knives. Recently I have started to make larger display pieces. It has allowed me to explore new things in the creation of my art, and use other materials to make the custom display bases for each piece.
CLASS: Jewelry
CATEGORY: Animals
MEDIA: scrimshaw
SIZE: 30x40 mm
YEAR: 2012
PRICE: $175
walrus tusk center ivory and sterling silver
CLASS: Jewelry
CATEGORY:
MEDIA: scrimshaw
SIZE: 1" diameter
YEAR: 2012
PRICE: $85
walrus tooth crosscut and hand-knotted garnet beads
CLASS: Mixed Media
CATEGORY: Animals
MEDIA: scrimshaw
SIZE: 19" long
YEAR: 2009
PRICE: $295
elk antler cribbage board
CLASS: Mixed Media
CATEGORY: Landscape
MEDIA: scrimshaw
SIZE: 20" long
YEAR: 2011
PRICE: $800
moose antler cribbage board
CLASS: Mixed Media
CATEGORY: Landscape
MEDIA: scrimshaw
SIZE: 2" high
YEAR: 2009
PRICE: $125
ivory organ key with custom walnut and ebony base
CLASS: Mixed Media
CATEGORY: Landscape
MEDIA: scrimshaw
SIZE: 6" long
YEAR: 2012
PRICE: $900
sperm whale tooth on bloodwood and ebony base
CLASS: Mixed Media
CATEGORY: Animals
MEDIA: scrimshaw
SIZE: 4" tall
YEAR: 2010
PRICE: $295
mammoth tusk bark and custom walnut base
CLASS: Mixed Media
CATEGORY: Functional
MEDIA: scrimshaw
SIZE: 9" long
YEAR: 2012
PRICE: $250
handmade knife with deer antler handle
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