My Construction Methods ...
My designs are either in wire-sculpted settings using sterling silver, jewelry grade yellow bronze or 14k gold-filled square (usually) wire, or settings sculpted in metals clays. Metal clay is a unique medium that allows for endless design options. It is comprised of molecules of metal mixed with a natural binder medium that when fired in a kiln or torch fired becomes a solid metal setting. I use .999 fine silver, .960 sterling silver, yellow bronze (sometimes raku fired) and copper versions of this medium.
My scrimshaw illustrations are set in both of these mediums. The wire settings are simple designs meant not to detract too much from the illustrations. When I set the scrimshaw in the metal clays, I usually try to make the setting become part of the illustration by extending the illustration into sculpture.
I make my bails large enough to accomodate even the largest magnum chain. Extending the bail to the bottom of the wire designs also aids in stabilizing the piece so that it won't do a lot of spinning when worn - which is a common problem with wire set designs.

My Illustrations ...
My illustrations are engraved by hand and though I may repeat some of the illustrations, since they are "scribed" by hand, they are not an exact repeat of the drawing. I feel compelled to change details and color, making them all a "one of a kind" creation. Though I am influenced strongly by several artists (Maxfield Parish, Andrew Wyeth, and others) my compositions are original.
I use thinned Windsor Newton oil color and some inks to color the scrimshaw. I take care to only use mediums that will not be prone to fading over time as I want these to be heirloom pieces that can be handed down to future generations.
I can illustrate anything I can find a visual reference for (although my fantasy illustrations are from my own imagination for the most part). I welcome commissioned pieces and illustrate many pets or favorite animals and subjectforms for my customers.

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