My interest in scrimshaw started in 1992 while living in Natal. I went to see the well known local scrimshander Toi Skellern and she "showed me the ropes". I was working at that time, so I didn't really have sufficient time to devote to the art, but my interest remained. About five years we moved to Secunda and I then decided it was now or never! I had no knives to work on, so I just practiced on a few pieces of loose ivory. About three years ago I took the plunge, purchased an airline ticket, and flew down to Cape Town for a weekend with Hilton Purvis who taught me a great deal. It provided me with sufficient encouragement to look for work with knifemakers who liked my work.
After submitting my scrimshaw to the Knifemakers Guild of SA I was made an associate member in September 2002. Melodie has been supported by Carel Smith (the new Guild chairman), and has done work for Harvey Silk (of the Busy Beaver in Germany).
I am married and have two children, a son and a daughter.
