​​​​​​Scrimshaw by David Smith

Awards 

The Artist 

David Smith is entering his third decade of a full time career as a                                                                                   scrimshander. Over the years he has become well known as a Master Scrimshander,

having received numerous awards and recent submission into the American Art

Museum Library at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

His work is sold to collectors worldwide and to fine gift shops and galleries

throughout the United States.

David's motivation to launch his career in the art of scrimshaw stemmed from his experiences with sailing in his home waters of Rhode Island. He also draws inspiration from the whaling history of nearby New Bedford and Nantucket. Each piece is created with a deep personal understanding and appreciation of the subject he depicts. There is not an abundance of the artist’s work to be found due to the time and effort which goes into each piece he creates.

Though scrimshaw has long been thought of as a traditional craft, David Smith’s work is considered to be a true art form. Each piece is so realistically rendered it seems three dimensional. The artist’s refined etching style and monochrome color choice together create very appealing and soft images. Smith’s work shows the appreciation he has for ivory as a medium. His subjects are not just placed on the ivory, but become part of it.

Stippling (pin-prick) is the time-consuming technique used almost exclusively in his renderings. His style has been considered distinctly unique from other scrimshanders, as it possesses a strong softness of fully shaded subjects with considerable detail. Smith’s scrimshaw should be viewed not only as a miniature work of art, but a unique and valuable investment.

In his spare time David enjoys being on the water in his native Ocean State; boating, snorkeling, body surfing and taking photos. He resides in Rhode Island with his wife, Connie. 

​​​​​​​​- 1998  Hawaii International Scrimshaw Competition 1st Place Nautical

               Hawaii International Scrimshaw Competition 1st Place Wildlife
               Mystic International Art Exhibition Yachting Award
- 1999  Stamford Art Exhibition Westcott Cove Award
               Mystic International Art Exhibition Rudolf J. Schaefer Award
- 2001  Hawaii International Scrimshaw Competition 1st Place Wildlife
- 2002  Scrimshanders International Competition 1st Place Nautical
                Scrimshanders International Competition 1st Place Wildlife
- 2003  Scrimshanders International Competition 1st Place Wildlife
- 2004  Scrimshanders International Competition 1st Place Open
- 2006  Scrimshanders International Competition 1st Place Portrait
                Scrimshanders International Competition 1st Place Wildlife
- 2008  Scrimshanders International Competition People’s Choice
- 2009  Scrimshanders International Competition 1st Place Portrait
                Scrimshanders International Competition 1st Place Wildlife
- 2010   Scrimshanders International Competition Best in Show
                Scrimshanders International Competition People’s Choice
- 2012   Scrimshanders International Competition 1st Place Wildlife
                Scrimshanders International Competition 1st Place Open/Portrait
                Scrimshanders International Competition People’s Choice
- 2013   Maritime Gallery International Marine Art Thomas M. Hoyne Award

                Scrimshaw on file in the Smithsonian Institute Washington, D.C.
              

              American Society of Marine Artists, Signature Member
              National Maritime Historical Society,  Member
              International Yacht Restoration School,  Donor

              National Marine Life Center,   Donor