Recycled Scrimshaw Activity
Now on Display
Now on Display, Duke Riley's No. 384 of the Poly S. Tyrene Memorial Maritime Museum, 2023.
This commission for the New Bedford Whaling Museum by Brooklyn-based artist Duke Riley unites the legacies of regional industry, shoreline pollution, and environmental conservation, with the histories of whaling and scrimshaw.
A found plastic jug (automotive coolant container) collected on a beach clean-up is painted to resemble scrimshaw. In the background, a factory spews waste into the water. The names Cornell, Dubilier, and Aerovox Co. appear on a banner flanked by scallops (New Bedford’s cornerstone economic resource). These corporations were major regional water polluters, making the Acushnet River a superfund site. Due to pollution, it is illegal to shellfish in much of New Bedford Harbor today.
You can see Duke's Recycled Scrimshaw on display in the Scrimshaw Gallery.
Make your Own Recycled Scrimshaw
Materials
White or Cream-Colored Plastic Container
Pencil
Black Marker
Instructions
Prepare Your Container
Remove all labels, wash off any dirt or glue, and allow it to fully dry.
Get Creative
Think about the stories and images you want to tell with your art. Traditional scrimshaw with images of ships, ocean waves, and sea creatures can inspire you, or your everyday life can inspire you.
Sketch Out Your Story
Sketch your design onto the plastic container with a pencil. If you need inspiration, look at the details of Duke Riley’s artwork.
Add Marker
Use a black permanent marker to trace over your sketched design.
Share your Work
We'd love to see and share your recycled scrimshaw creations on our social media channels! Capture a photo of your work, or record a 20-second video showcasing your art.
Contact
For questions, contact New Bedford Whaling Museum's Communication and Marketing Manager, Drew Furtado at DFurtado@whalingmuseum.org
