Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Contemporary nautical scrimshaw artist Linda Layden

It's a pleasure to introduce Linda Layden, a self taught contemporary artist from Harrison, Maine who crafts some of her wares by recycling vintage ivory piano keys.



Taking keys from her own old piano or keys given to her by others or that she purchases her process begins of cleaning, prepping, sanding, etching and coloring to create vivid colorful bookmarks such as these.


Linda was inspired by her time spent in Massachusetts near the historic New Bedford whaling port where at one time whale men spent their idle hours on long trips etching bone or carving ivory.  Linda decided she would learn this craft and has been creating scrimshaw pieces as a full time profession for over 30 years.


Linda also crafts on mother of pearl; like this pendant,


old ivory becomes earrings

 

 An old bone ginger jar becomes a piece of art.


Linda also makes molds to create these wonderful mermaids cast in
resin and then etched in the traditional manner of scrimshaw.


Linda's work is found in private collections, fine gift shops
and galleries around the globe.

Now, Linda may call her recycled piano keys bookmarks


I call them fascinating and see them as wonderful embellishments to nautical decor such as stringing several of these on some rope criss crossing a ceiling in a room, using them as ornaments or to dress up a gift box.

You can purchase Linda's work here


The fine yet, required print.  This is not a paid endorsement or advertisement. I wrote to Linda Layden and asked if I may feature her piano key bookmarks and she graciously agreed and allowed the use of her photos. I've been blessed to have my work featured by others.  I'm simply doing the same.

23 comments:

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

Her pieces are charming! Each is a little work of art!

WhiteWhispers2u said...

Love her style and these are great lil items.I will pop over to check the rest out.I hope you are feeling better~Cheers Kim xox

Della said...

I was thinking ornaments, too. She does beautiful work!

Seawashed said...

These are beautiful. Such creativity. Thank you for sharing. ox

Beach Coast Style said...

I am always amazed at how creative people are and all the neat ideas they come of with this is one of those! I love them!

rjerdee said...

Nothing like tickling the ivories!!!

Completely Coastal said...

What a discovery, Rita. These are so gorgeous! I should go to the New Bedford whaling museum too, it's only half an hour drive away from where I live in RI.

Kim@Snug Harbor said...

What an amazing talent. Just beautiful!

Julie@beingRUBY said...

How How gorgeous.. and how cleverly talented she is.. I truly love these.. especially the ginger gar and the lighthouse bookmark...

So glad you shared her work. Have a great weekend.. ciao xxx Julie
[apologies for absence still fighting the flu]

sealaura said...

how cool! I especially love the ships in the 3rd bookmark.

Gypsea Nurse said...

Fun and beautiful!
Thanks so much!
Smiles~
Gypsea Nurse

Rose West said...

I've always been a big fan of scrimshaw, and it's great to see that this art form hasn't died!

kim said...

Wow!! Spectacular!!
:)
Kim
1022seashellave

Blooming Rose Musings said...

You are so right, these are fascinating. And, they are beautiful. She is a very unique and talented artist. Thank you for introducing her to us. Really beautiful work!

Bring Pretty Back said...

Incredible talent! Ornaments would be wonderful as well!
I am off to her site , right now!
Have a PRETTY day!
Kristin

Privet and Holly said...

This is SO cool;
really love her
work. Thanks for
shining your light
on another amazing
artist!
xx Suzanne

Anonymous said...

Hi - hope you are well!
Love your scrimshaw post!

Featuring your signature spoons on my beachy keen shops section of my page!

Have a wonderful weekend-
Linda
beachside cottage

annechovie said...

Linda's work is absolutely amazing, Rita! thanks for sharing with us. xo

beachvintage.com said...

Wow, that is seriously amazing stuff.

Karena said...

Wonderful works of art Rita, Linda has found her genre!!

xoxo
Karena

Art by Karena

Exciting New $150 Giveaway from Dr Perricone! Artful Beauty from the inside and out! Come and Enter!

Melissah said...

I just discovered your lovely blog and have signed up as a follower. I've just put the finished touches on my new blog ‘Coastal Style’ and have added you to my blogroll. I had a lot of fun putting it together so maybe you would like to check it out if you have a spare minute.
http://coastal-style.blogspot.com/
It will have lots of inspiration on beach houses, resortwear, summer food, travel and anything ‘beachy’.
x
Melissah

Erica said...

Each is a little work of art!

San Diego Catering

Cashon&Co said...

she is amazing. wow. i am off to see her site now. :)

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