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The Art of Etching Stories: Delving into the Fascinating World of Scrimshaw Scrimshaw is a unique art form that involves the creation of carvings or engravings on bone or ivory by whalers. The artist, known as a scrimshander, meticulously prepares their substrate by smoothing and polishing it with sharkskin or pumice. Then, they would intricately carve the design into the material with a knife or sharp-tipped instrument. The final touch involved filling the grooves with colour, usually black, in a process akin to creating a woodblock. These artworks could be solely decorative but also serve practical purposes, and people made toys, walking sticks, and pocket watch holders in this way. Whalers crafted these items as gifts for family or friends or for trading. ​American whaling ships, scrimshaw on whale tooth, c. 1800​ What Are Typical Scrimshaw Designs? Scrimshaw designs were as diverse as the imaginations of the scrimshanders. While scenes of life at sea, sperm whaling, portraits of ships, and fashionable women were popular, a wide range of subjects found their way onto scrimshaw designs, including flowers, Masonic emblems, coats of arms, and the Irish harp. The nature of the artwork makes it challenging to identify the author of the scrimshaw pieces and to date the work. However, contemporary historians can glean clues from the image, such as the style of clothing on the female figures, the design of the ships, and occasional inclusions of ship names. Scrimshaw via the New Bedford Whaling Museum​ When and Where Was Scrimshaw Popular? Scrimshaw peaked between 1830 and 1860. The majority of the scrimshanders were from America, but it was a popular craft with British and Australian whalers, and significant collections can be found in all three countries. Scrimshaw continues to be produced today by whalers in regions such as the Chukchi of Siberia and the Eskimos of Siberia and Alaska, as well as inspiring modern artists and craftspeople. We hope you have enjoyed this introduction to this fascinating craft. To read more, visit ​Scrimshaw and the identification of sea mammal products by Janet Wes​t and ​Scrimshaw on Britannica​.Scrimshaw via the New Bedford Whaling Museum

Art Deco left an indelible mark on architecture, decorative arts, fashion, and beyond. This article will delve into five key traits that define Art Deco design, showcasing its elegance and enduring appeal.

'The Dance of Death' is a type of memento mori. It is a visual allegory designed to remind people that death comes for everyone, regardless of their circumstances in life. Today, we'll discover what The Dance of Death' is, why it was so powerful and relatable, and what lessons we can learn from it today. Let's go! 

Join us on a captivating exploration of the world of emblems; we'll discover their history and meaning and, of course, examine some fascinating examples. Let's go!

Art has always been a medium for self-expression, a canvas where artists pour their emotions, thoughts, and creativity. Some artists experiment with unexpected and unconventional tools to craft beauty from the most unlikely materials. This article will introduce you to four artists working with this in mind; we'll examine their work and learn about their motivations. Let's go!

Wunderkammer are fascinating collections of rare and peculiar objects. They were first housed in royal palaces hundreds of years ago but have inspired the museums we can visit today. In this article, we'll unravel the captivating world of Wunderkammer, exploring its origins and the contents of some beautiful collections.

Creative blocks are incredibly frustrating, but it's also a natural part of the process. Today, we'll share five simple strategies to help you overcome these hurdles and reignite your artistic spark. Let's go!

Wabi-sabi is an ancient Japanese philosophy that calls us to celebrate the beauty in imperfection and impermanence. In this blog post, we'll explore wabi-sabi's profound philosophy and discover how we can weave its essence into our lives. We'll examine different examples of wabi-sabi design and learn how these objects cherish life's imperfections and find beauty in the simplicity of the everyday. Let's go! 

Have you ever wanted to express your creative side but needed help figuring out where to start? Or maybe you're an artist who wants to try a new artistic technique but is unsure what to do. Collage is an engaging and inclusive medium, making it accessible to beginners seeking to discover their creative potential and seasoned artists searching for a new artistic adventure. Read on to find out more!