A stamp of approval for Marlinespike

Belvedere Craft fellowhip goes to Tim Whitten

- LESLIE LANDRIGAN

STONINGTON—Tim Whitten left his mechanical engineering career in upstate New York for Downeast Maine to work in a craft that a lot of people don’t know is a craft—marlinespike. The Maine Arts Commission validated his career move and his craft on November 16 when it announced his award of a $5,000 Belvedere Craft fellowship.

The fellowship goes to a Maine artist who lives in Washington or Hancock county. Whitten works from his Marlinespike Chandlery shop and studio gallery at 58 West Main Street in Stonington. He’s had his doors closed to the public since the COVID-19 pandemic came to Maine, but steps outside to talk to customers. Those include Gov. Janet Mills, who this summer bought an antique dory horn, he said in a phone interview.

The path to marlinespike

Whitten was born in Connecticut to parents who came from Maine. Growing up, he spent summers in Washington County camping in primitive tents. He came to view Downeast as a magical and inspirational place, he said.