Tinker Mackerel (Scomber japonicus)
Hand-carved by Geoffrey “G.B.” Davis

Materials: White Cedar, Leather, Pewter and Steel
Base & Details: White Pine, Leather, Steel, Croquet Ball, Copper
Dimensions: 11” L × 3” W × 10” H
Finish: Traditional milk paint, waxed and buffed
Status: Available

Description

I grew up on the coast of Maine when the waterfront was still a busy place. There’s an old home movie of teenage boys carrying codfish by the gills over their shoulders, the tails dragging along the dock behind them. In winter the shrimp boats went out for the small, sweet northern shrimp that filled the cold Gulf of Maine waters.

My parents liked to fish for tinker mackerel. These small mackerel travel in tight flashing schools. When you found them the fishing was fast and lively. With a simple shiny jig you could catch them as quickly as you could drop your line.

A bucket could fill before you knew it. The dock would come alive with splashing fish, laughter, and the hopeful attention of herring gulls waiting nearby.

This carving is a small tribute to those bright, restless fish and to the working waterfront I remember from growing up in Maine.

Availability

Each piece is carved and painted by hand. If this particular carving has already found a home, I am always happy to carve another for you. Because every carving is handmade, each will have its own unique character.

If you'd like, I can also help you standardize a structure for all your fish carvings the way your bird listings have a recognizable cadence. That consistency actually helps collectors recognize your work immediately.