American Estates: Steve Morrisette Smooth Blowfish with Boxwood (2014) Tobacco Pipe

Steve Morrisette initially became involved in pipe making through his collection of high grade artisan briars, modifying inexpensive pipes, and attending some of America's largest pipe shows. From there, Steve was able to meet and learn from highly respected and influential American carvers such as Jeff Gracik, Todd Johnson, and Brad Pohlmann. And because of his years spent collecting as well as befriending such talented carvers, Morrisette is able to craft his own high-quality pieces such as this Blowfish. There's an impressively complex sense of line readily apparent in this pipe even at a passing glance, the shank showcasing an expressive, remarkably firm, and utterly geometric look thanks to its number of framing ridgelines. The shank itself flares out of a wide transition, expanding toward a trim fitment of boxwood, something which the base of the stem mirrors before dipping into a sleek saddle bit. This mirrored set of accents draws the eye slightly away from the bowl, creating an area of negative space which allows the visual weight to sit close to the transition. The bowl here features a rounded build across the left flank and a structured panel on the right, with the midsection lined by a pair of ridges which additionally frame the chamfered rim. A pale, round accent on the left flank of the bowl is inlaid with a shimmering material reminiscent of mother of pearl, all the accenting work here contrasting the warm stain dressing the stummel.