Artist's Biography

Scrimshaw/print maker...an ancient mariner art form of diligence, patience, and accuracy. Howie has mastered the art of carving bone and ivory and has graduate to brass plates out a sense of environmental responsibility. 

Print Statement

Scrimshaw is the art of carving or etching designs into ivory, bone, or other materials, traditionally by sailors. Its origins trace back to the late 18th century, during the Age of Sail, when whalers used their downtime to create intricate artwork on whale teeth, bones, and walrus ivory. The term "scrimshaw" is believed to derive from the Dutch word scrimschaw, meaning "to waste time."

The carvings often depicted maritime themes like ships, whales, and scenes from daily life, sometimes with a decorative or functional purpose (like pocket knives or buttons). The craft flourished in the 19th century but declined with the advent of modern whaling regulations and synthetic materials. Today, scrimshaw is valued as a historical & artistic craft, with modern artists continuing the tradition on various materials. Howie himself moved away from ivory as the trade's ethics were called into question, he continues his art on plates of copper using the same tools & techniques to create unique prints that harken to past era.

Prints by Howie Rosenfeld • All Prints • All Artists