SCRIMSHAW ARTIST

View all Kurt Sperry scrimshaw pieces

“The special beauty of scrimshaw for me lies in its fundamental honesty. In a world of artspeak and mechanically reproduced prints, it is wonderful to hold an honestly made art object in your hand.” This quote by Kurt Sperry is a fine expression of the general fascination exerted by scrimshaw and the scrimshander’s dedication to his work. Kurt has been expressing himself artistically since he was old enough to grasp a crayon. He began working as a scrimshander in 1976. He enjoys working with a wide variety of motifs, from wildlife to nautical themes and other subjects. All of his work is done 100% by hand. To achieve the finest and most honest quality, he refuses to use any mechanical tools or machines. His work is in fine collections and galleries throughout the U.S.