Rod Lacey is a jeweler from Australia that scrimshaws as a hobby. He is a collector as well as a scrimshander, and does not sell his work.
“Australia is a lonely place when it comes to scrimshaw. There was a lot of whaling here and a lot of whale teeth but no community of scrimmers. You could count the scrimmers on one hand! When I show people my work they don’t know what it is, never seen it before.
“I started scrimming in the early 1990s, I had acquired a few small teeth when travelling around Australia on a motor bike. By the early 1990s I had settled down in Cairns QLD and thought I’d do something with the teeth but couldn’t find anyone.
“Finally a got a copy of “The Scrimshaw Connection
” I’d become quite friendly with Bob Engnath and he gave me a few tips, the best one was a guy called Randy Philips who owned a engineering shop, he made and sold a scrimshaw machine (stippling) that worked really well.
I don’t sell my pieces, just collect, it’s a hobby. Scrimshaw can be very addictive.
Rod has made a very interesting non-scrimshaw jewelry invention called SWOPS. Interesting swappable earring and pendant set. Take a look!
Rod does not do commission work but if you’d like to contact him, you can reach him at randclacey[at]bigpond.com.
Hi Mr Lacy I’ve looked at your work and you have a great eye and the ability to reproduce what you’ve seen into your art.I am a knife collector and would honoured if you would scrimshaw a knife for me.
I realise your work would be in high demand so I’m willing to wait if you decide to scrim my knife.
Thankyou
Greg
I am a scrimshander on the gold coast. I have been doing it for 40 years. I work on deer antler , moose, cow horn, and cowbone, the shin bone of the cow. I also did a couple of emu eggs. I had an exibition at the gold coast art center in the early 90 s . It was based on australian historic figures and wild life. I started in California in the late 70 s in a friend’s back yard. I only ever use 1 tool. A carbite tip scratch all. I keep it as authentic as the traditional scrimshaw was done 1 search at a time . Your work is as good as it gets. I’m glad I looked you up it inspires me to do more thank you. Your right I have been in aus 38 years and have not met another scrimshander in person. Thanks again Karl Byrne.
Hi Karl, and thanks for writing! Sorry for the late response. You’ve led an interesting life so far. If you have any pictures you’d like to share, I’d be happy to put them up on my site. Glad I was able to share the article about Rod Lacey with you. == Andrew
Hi Karl, and thanks for writing! Don’t know if the last response went through, I just wanted to let you know it’s my pleasure to share Rod’s work online and yours as well if you would like. You’ve led an interesting life so far, and if you’d like to share more of your adventures and your work, I’d be happy to showcase it here. == Andrew
Hi Karl,
If you would like to chat mail me, randclacey@bigpond.com
Regards Rod
Hie Lacy , your work is stunning. I need this Machine for crippling, I am a small scrimshander in South Africa. I was eying one Sandra Brady is selling but it’s too expensive for me. Also it needs a compressor . Looks like the one u are using is electric. I want it soon . Will try calling Randy tomorrow
Best regards
Nkosi
Hi old friend in town would see you and your Scrimshaw
Gives me knee trembles just looking at it
Hi
Bill Feeney here. I’ve been doing scrim since 1973. Making a living with it since 1981. We do real scrim and resin repros.
Love your work.
Bill
Hi Bill
Thanks for comments, do you have a site where I can see your work?
Regards Rod
Awesome work man!
Hi, Jason, Thanks for your comment.
I checked out your heart, WOW incredible detail.