Howard "Howie" Rosenfeld
Howard Rosenfeld was born in New Haven CT, and graduated as a zoology major from the University of Connecticut.  He served in the Peace Corps eradicating malaria in Thailand, then worked in public health in San Francisco & elsewhere around the U.S.  Eventually, Sausalito CA became homeport for almost 10 years of living aboard ship, and sailing the waters of the U.S. west coast, Mexico and Hawaii.  Becoming an artist was not even remotely on his career choice list, but while sailing on many old wooden ships, he learned marlinspike seamanship, the details of hull, rig & sail, and the art of scrimshaw.  When he first started scribing ivory in 1969, Sperm whale teeth had little value and were even being given away.  Howie has been doing custom scrimshaw for over 36 years, specializing in ship & sailboat portraits, but has done everything from people to horses to helicopters, as well as large presentation pieces, belt buckles, pendants and plaques.

Years later, when ivory became controversial, Howie discovered that he could 'scrimshaw' a copper plate, and make prints. This technique is called “drypoint engraving”, which is a non-acid etching procedure dating from the 1400s.  Howie’s prints are sold in limited editions and the plates are 'struck' with his initials, then framed with the last print in that edition. Sometimes Howie frames a print with a scrimshaw 'remarque' on a piano key (recycled ivory), or on larger mammoth ivory plaques. Prints are sometimes hand-colored with watercolor.  Museum quality framing is also available, as he is also a professional picture framer, specializing in traditional decorative French matting.  Howie’s studio and gallery, Friday Harbor Art Studio and Custom Picture Framing, is now in its 15th year.

Howie has earned many awards, exhibitions, and private commissions. His work is prized by collectors worldwide. 

Read about more awards & laurels on his website. Howard lives in Friday Harbor WA, and can be reached by telephone at 360-378-5788, between 10-6 Pacific Time.  His e-mail address: Howie@HowardRosenfeld.com.
CHARLES W. MORGAN on a 27-inch (68.5-cm) walrus tusk
First Place Award Scrimshaw, Third Annual International Maritime Art Awards Show, 1982, Mystic Seaport CT
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view backside scrimwork
Queen Liliuokalani was the last reigning monarch of the Hawaiian islands.  Scrimwork on 6-inch (15-cm) Sperm whale tooth with koa wood base.  Part of a 12-tooth set of Hawaiian royalty and the state seal.  Scribed between 1977-1983.
A STROLL DOWN THE DOCK on 8.5-inch (27.5-cm) fossil walrus artifact
Second Place Award in Scrimshaw Division, Second Annual International Maritime Art Awards Show, Mystic Seaport, CT, USA 1981 .
A scene typical to New Bedford in the 1880’s. From left ship NIGER is hove down for re-coppering; schooner CAMEO drying sails; bark SUNBEAM at the wharf readying for sea with her whaleboats gathered off her stern; the recently returned CHARLES W. MORGAN drying sails and being unloaded; bark TROPIC BIRD drying sails at anchor awaiting a berth. Purposely depicted are various rigs and hull types of the period.
SCOTTISH FANTASY II on 4.5-inch tall mammoth ivory, set into a rosewood desk stand.
Private commission for owner, from plans during construction, circa 1996.
SHENANDOAH on a 6-inch (15-cm) Sperm whale tooth.
Famous Confederate raider that ravaged Yankee whalers and merchant-men in the Pacific during the Civil War but caused no loss of life. The end of war terminated plan to attack San Francisco.  Circa 2000.
TWO BROTHERS on a 5-inch (12.6-cm) Sperm whale tooth.   Built in 1816, refitted as whaler in 1831 in New Bedford MA, and worked until 1864. From plans purchased from New Bedford Whaling Museum.
Three examples of limited edition, signed and numbered prints.  
Drypoint engraving is an intaglio process dating from the 1400s, which can also be thought of as 'scrimshaw on copper'.  Howie came to this printmaking process after thirty years of scrimshawing or engraving ivory.  Each hand-pulled print has unique characteristics and considered an individual work of art. Each can be hand water-colored by the artist.
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