SHORE PERSPECTIVES Jeff Jasmin Turns Something Ordinary Into Something Extraordinary

By Kelley Gaskill

It’s a blend of vision and craftsmanship that turns something ordinary, like a block of wood, into something extraordinary. A skilled artisan can imagine the sleek lines of a Chesapeake Bay skipjack or the sturdy hull of a crab boat even before making the first cut.

Model workboat carving has deep roots, serving as a way to preserve the legacy of hardworking vessels and the communities that relied on them. Along the Eastern Shore, carvers have long created miniature replicas of workboats such as the Chesapeake Bay deadrise or skipjack. These carvings not only celebrate the artistry of boatbuilding but also honor the way of life of those who depended on these vessels for fishing, oystering and crabbing. Over time, workboat carving has evolved from a practical skill into a cherished art form, blending historical accuracy with creative expression.

This week, Kelley visited with Jeff Jasmin as he reflected on the craft, history and how building Chesapeake Bay model workboats is a meaningful way to preserve and honor maritime traditions and the generations of those who worked on the water.