Not really with the art, a archeologist would give him a non perform bard. Or homebrew it (ie gm switch craft with perform) Downside would be her would keep the art out to inspire and when he puts it back it ends, tying up a hand.
In what way does it need to be like a bard? There's the psychodermist archetype for the occultist which could fit the art/carving but isn't a bard at all. The necroccultist occultist archetype focuses on necromancy. An occultist is a 6-level caster with some melee ability, which might be like a bard.
If it has to be the bard class, an archivist is more about learning in general, and a dirge bard dabbles in necromancy. Both still perform. An archaeologist doesn't perform but has nothing in particular to do with carving or necromancy.
An archeologist does not perform, but for a macabre artist a dirge bard is imo a great choice Funereal oratory is still a performance, and you should be doing something to impress your teammates.
If you do not to be an inspirational figure, I think an occultist or a medium is a better choice. Just check with your DM how finding and regaining spirits will work for a medium in this campaign - the class is reliant on being able to find one or more wherever you go. I wish it had the option to retain a spirit from the previous day, that way you could keep a spirit until you want to change.
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You don't necessarily need to be a bard to be an artist. Especially if you don't want to be a performing artist, the bard class may not be the best set of mechanics for expressing the character.
Someone very interested in physical objects could certainly use the occultist. I'm not sure if it's a very beginner-friendly class however.
even if you decided to let the act of scrimshawing be the preformance - it would not only take up both of the bards hands to perform - it would also require line of sight for the allies to gain the buffs, whereas a normal bard can provide buffs so long as they can hear the performance - around corners - in the next room, in various fog effects, etc.
what if scrimshaw is his thing - but he delivers oratory performances loosely related to the act of Scrimshaw?
My friends and I shall cut you from this earth
No matter how hard or callous you be
We will whittle you down and we'll turn you to dust
Then all the world will be left to see
That despite your destruction, there's no cause to morn
Hardly worth even a memory
You were just scum here, filth to wipe clear
To reveal the planet's true beauty
yeah... i just made a skrimshaw-themed battle-poem.
:P