“Seductive River Naide” color scrimshaw on large slab of ancient mammoth tusk ivory by David Adams. Sirens were often mentioned in mythology. Most assume that all sirens were ocean sirens as described so powerfully by Homer. Hence, the origin of “siren song”, a song that is beautiful and sweet, but leads to doom. It would be difficult to resist the songs of this beautiful siren. Scrimshander, Adams, put everything he knows about the art of scrimshaw into this masterpiece and it shows. Just look at the transparent water below the surface. Amazing how he pulled that off. The effect of the flowing waterfall in the background is amazing as is the minute detail on the foliage of the damp hills. Love the extra added touch of the braided vines in her hair. The amount of work in this is hard to describe. It took months and months of toil by the artist to achieve this. Also, the thick slab of perfect mammoth ivory is quite rare. This is the type of art that one keeps in the family for generations. Cannot praise this one enough!
“Whaler Crushed in Ice” color scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory bark by David Adams. Perils of Arctic whaling depicted in this detailed work by Adams. Staying just a little too long meant the ice floes could suddenly change and crush the wooden hulls of the whalers. Fortunately, another whaler is on the horizon, coming to the rescue. Adams attention to minute detail is aptly seen here. The ship’s barrels of precious whale oil are on the ice as well as other important objects. Everyone has a job to do and time is running out. Adams even has the crewmen depicted in various colored shirts. Take some time to study the work of a master. Great work here, no doubt.
“Proud Wolf Family” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by David Adams. Proud mamma and poppa wolf and their new offspring. Male wolf looks like he just did something fanastic, while the mamma wolf has a look of relief. The cubs are looking to get into trouble. Great composition by master scrimshander, Adams. This is done on a full ancient walrus tusk and is from one of our clients who is no longer with us.
“Pirate Ship Attack” color scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory by David Adams. Pirates flying the Jolly Roger engage an unseen quarry. Judging from the cannon on the pirate ship, the end will be quick. Extraordinary detail by scrimshander, Adams, on this one. Impressive strand completes the picture. A winner all the way around.
“Gale Force Winds” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory bark by David Adams. Sails furled with more to come, this intrepid vessel is caught in gale force winds and huge rolling seas. Scrimshander Adams has really captured the moment in this very well done work. Not many working on this level today. Nice piece of mammoth bark completes the picture.
“Racing to Tea Docks” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory bark by David Adams. Two China tea clippers depicted leaving for the London tea docks. The first to land with its precious cargo could claim higher prices, thus giving captain and crew a large bonus. Beautiful thick piece of mammoth bark perfect for this gem.
“Revenge of the Sirens” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by David Adams. Remains of an unfortunate ship on the sea’s bottom. Two sirens are admiring their work, one resting, the other, inspecting the shattered masts and torn rigging. Fine detail in what is left of the ship. Unusual subject matter by the amazing Adams. A keeper!
“Storm Swept Ship” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth ivory by David Adams. Crewmen on deck busily batten down hatches, etc. Sudden storms were a constant. threat to marinerw without any long range weather reports. Check out the crew on deck and the size of the seas. Great work by Adams on this primo piece of mammoth ivory.
“Whaling Bark at Sea” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by David Adams. Whaler knows time is money and is full rigged to get to the whaling grounds before others. Adams has done a masterful job on this gem. He is one of the most versatile scrimshanders working today. Beautiful piece of mammoth, by the way.
“Becalmed Whaler” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by David Adams. Sometimes you just have to wait for a favorable wind. Excellent detail by Adams on this primo piece of mammoth ivory. Note the eagle on the stern. Nicely done.