Bill Shalosky: Sandblasted Bent Dublin (756) Tobacco Pipe

American artisan Bill Shalosky was studying Fine Arts at the Columbus College of Art and Design when he crafted his first pipe out of clay. Now working out of the renowned workshop Briarworks, Shalosky holds a strong sense of artistry in his diverse portfolio, citing his influence as "every pipe ever made." This bent Dublin by Bill Shaloshy boasts a striking silhouette and balanced proportions, which differs from his traditional neoclassically inclined bent Dublin renditions. The bowl stands on a prominent heel, its flared walls ascending to a rim crowned in tightly-packed plateau. The wide transition leaves plenty of room to place a digit and gives way to a rather short shank that lifts and extends slightly and meets a trim accent band, left smooth to contrast the craggy texture of the stummel. Completing the profile is an elongated cumberland stem that bends slightly closer to the bit, poising this piece for a relaxed smoking posture. Dressing the stummel is a grain-defining, warm sandblast that highlights growth rings that ripple outward from the heel, giving this pipe further tactile and visual appeal.