Working mostly in elk and deer antler, cedar, black walnut, alabaster and soap-stone, it has been interesting to watch as he has evolved from his start in carving duck decoys to carving a variety of subjects in a multiplicity of media and technique. Thirteen years ago he asked Norman Smith, a Shinnecock artist and woodcarver of note, if he would show him how to carve a Shinnecock scrub-a traditional hand-carved wooden brush. Norman showed Dennis how it was done and also showed him how to carve duck decoys, which have an ancient tradition among American Indians and the Shinnecock people in particular. I was personally very happy to see Dennis work in the creative arts and encouraged him to continue work as much as possible. In later years Dennis was also greatly inspired by the work of his friend, Oneida craftsman, Chip Isaacs, who is a well known wood, shell and bone carver.

     Now carving for over thirteen years, Dennis looks forward to working on even more creative projects after he leaves the LIRR this year. He acquires materials to carve from friends who go deer hunting, works with wood he finds himself, and carves stone he purchases from supply houses. It is from these materials that Dennis carves lamps from driftwood, wooden staffs, beautiful knife handles, Indian heads, stone animals of all kinds, key chains and jewelry boxes.

     Working in the basement workshop of his comfortable home in Manorville, Long Island, where he lives with his wife and two children, Dennis has become skilled in power-carving techniques, using high-speed carving tools and chisels. Having a background of enjoying the outdoor life, he likes to work outside as often as weather allows, "to feel the elements and experience the sunlight." He doesn't work everyday, but only when he feels inspired by a piece of art he has seen or some other kind of design he hasn't tried up to that point. Graceful, contemporary, detailed and unique, the "King" style has been recognized by juries at various powwows and art festivals.

     Those who would like to see Dennis King's work, may do so at some of the popular powwows and art festivals in the region. Some of the pow wows Dennis attends are Queens Farm, Mohegan, Shinnecock, Vision Quest Arts Festival, and Gateway to the Nations. In the year 2000 he won a $500 second place award plus two ribbons. He also won second place three years in a row at the Mohegan Pow Wow. Dennis also participated in the Native Arts Festival and First People's Pow Wow sponsored by Amerinda a few years ago.

     Dennis King is not showing in any galleries at present and rarely accepts commissions. His work, however, may be seen currently at the newly opened Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum on the Shinnecock Reservation in Southampton, NY. Dennis King is truly a grass-roots artist, and a very talented craftsman, continuing the reputation of the great Shinnecock craftsmen of the past and taking it to wonderful heights in the future.

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