Custom and Interpretive shell carvings
based on ancient art of the American Southeast.

Artist Grady Smith resides at the Creek Carver Compound in Bristol Florida, where he spends most of his time, following in the footsteps of ancient shell engravers. He explains, "I feel as if it is in my blood, that I am destined to carry on the ways of my Muskogeon ancestors and the ancient shell carvers.

Shell carving is not something he does just part of the day; it is something that is with him in his dreams at night and the moment he wakes up. Grady says he has always had a love for shells. As a child he would tie a cord of woven bear grass around a shell and wear it until it fell off. Sometimes they would be decorated with feathers and beads of whittled bone. Concerning carving shell: "It's a spiritual experience; it's fueled by love and powered by the greater good," Grady explains.

Over the past decade, Grady has accumulated numerous awards for his work and his carvings are sought after by collectors worldwide. While his greatest strength is ancient Southeastern American Indian iconography, he has a vast understanding of symbols and is highly adept at working with his medium. Grady rarely attends more than six shows each year, opting to focus his time and energy carving in his workshop. Many pieces of his work can be found on the internet and at various local shops and art galleries. Custom designs are eagerly welcomed and happily considered upon request.

Each piece is unique due to the nature of the shell and the temperament of the artist.