Scrimshaw Addiction

Gorilla Scrimshaw

This simple scrimshaw of a Gorilla was done in 2013. It was the first of my pieces to have colour added. The Ivory is ancient fossilized Mammoth Ivory from Siberia. It weighs 53 grams and measures 90mm wide x 70mm high.

The Scrimshaw

I don’t have any progressive pictures as I didn’t photograph it or document all the details back then. The process of making it was just like the more recent walkthroughs except without colour.

1) Polish the Ivory

2) Attach the picture and cut around the outline and prominent features

3) Apply black oil paint to the etched sections

4) Fill in the darkest areas, then move onto the light parts. If you do it the other way around the shading and colours will become contaminated

The Base

The base is most likely made from Bloodwood with an Ivory name plate attached using Sterling Silver pins. It’s possible the wood is something else because I found it in my firewood pile, but it has a nice red colour regardless.

The Finished Piece

This picture shows the finished Scrimshaw on its stand.

The End.

Contact Rod: randclacey@bigpond.com