BILL CHRISTIAN

1924 - 2004

Bill Christian was a recognized as one of the leading artists and authorities on Scrimshaw.  His work has been represented in all leading scrimshaw collections in New Bedford, Gloucester, Mystic, New York, Boston, John F. Kennedy, and the Smithsonian.  Some of his work is registered in the Library of Congress.

Very little of his works were ever available on the open market as it was originally offered to collectors of record by the museums listed above, A few hand selected galleries were fortunate enough to carry his works like, Lahaina Galleries.

Bill lived a unique lifestyle as an artist, writer, photographer, sea captain, diver, aviator, witch doctor, explorer and soldier of fortune which enabled him to compose so many subjects however, most of his works were of the ships of the sea.  Bill has been the topic of many writers and has appeared in National Geographic, Saturday Evening Post, This Week, Parade and Sunset Newspapers, radio and television.  

Bill had a photographic memory and could walk down to the harbor, see a boat then return to his studio and etch it with incredible accuracy and detail.

Bill Christian was and lived as a man of the sea and islands. He resided in the Bahia Islands of the Caribbean, a plantation in Belize or one in Tahiti, a motor home on Maui or a penthouse in Waikiki…  Always close to the ocean.  Bill spent a lot of time in the 80-90’s aboard the old tramp freighter, “The Lahaina Turkey.”

William John Bekins, also known as Bill Christian past away April 2nd, 2014 in Hale Makua, Kahului.  They celebrated his life at Ukumehame Beach Park on Maui.

Do you have a piece you'd like me to share? 

If so, please email me at: beau@lgimaui.com

Most of these etchings below) were lost in the Lahaina town fires in August of 2023.