Bill Shalosky: Sandblasted Apple (530) Tobacco Pipe

When asked about the pipes that inspired him, Bill Shalosky points to "every pipe ever made," which makes sense when viewing the diverse range of shapes within his portfolio. His work can range from classic shape-chart standards to highly stylized, Danish-inspired pieces, but whatever Shalosky ends up crafting, his love of pipe making, in all its many aspects, is on full display. He has fashioned pieces for Briarworks, Smoker's Haven, and Chheda Pipes, so he has considerable experience, which is clearly evident when considering this Apple offering.

A stocky, muscular rendition of the time-honored shape, this piece boasts a rotund, heavy-set bowl that tapers subtly from its bulbous base to its rim. The cheeking along the transition accentuates the plump heel and draws attention to the visual disparity between the top and bottom of the bowl. The shank is quite lengthy, and it extends from the low-set transition before giving way to a slender saddle stem of cumberland — the entire combination evocative of the Lovat's iconic profile. The reddish-brown hues of the mouthpiece complement the earthy stain that envelopes the stummel, making for aesthetically harmonized appearance in profile. A crisp, craggy sandblast dresses the stummel and unveils subtle waves of growth rings across the surface of the bowl for added visual and tactile intrigue.