I taught myself scrimshaw at age 13 amid the rolling hills of northeast Iowa, and have been doing it ever since – nearly 40 years. I first saw scrimshaw in a gift shop on a family trip to New England, and did my first pieces on whale ivory purchased during the trip.  I have developed many of my own techniques over the years, but have tried to stay true to the origins of the craft by using simple tools and natural materials. My favorite subjects are nautical, nature and wildflower themes, and I also produce the antler and wood objects I sell and use for scrimshaw. I have been exhibiting my work at art fairs since 1975, and in Michigan art fairs since 1981.  I have been a naturalist, a park ranger, a database analyst and a "professional student".  I am a biology professor at a regional university and do contract work for The Nature Conservancy and a regional land trust as a field ecologist.  In addition to scrimshaw, I also enjoy nature photography, backpacking, canoeing, gardening and woodworking.

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E-mail Mark:

An artist from early childhood, my favorite toys were crayons. Professionally trained in Art and Scientific Illustration at Central Michigan University, I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree with Majors in Biology and Art. I have illustrated theses, dissertations, biology texts, posters, and calendars. My art has also appeared in many semi-professional desktop publications with subjects ranging into the science fiction and fantasy themes since 1978. My primary inspiration comes from the natural world, and I enjoy visiting zoos, parks, and museums always carrying my sketchbook or a camera. Currently my media include ink, watercolor, acrylic, gouache, color pencil, and etching. I enjoy doing scrimshaw on naturally shed antler and fossil ivory, and have etched on recycled slate shingles.

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