Bill Shalosky: Sandblasted Bent Dublin with Bocote (775) Tobacco Pipe

American artisan Bill Shalosky first ventured into pipe making while studying Fine Arts at the Columbus College of Art and Design, when he crafted his very first pipe from clay. Now an artisan at the esteemed BriarWorks workshop, Shalosky's work reflects a deep artistic sensibility, citing his influence as "every pipe ever made." As evident in this rendition, Shalosky often infuses his bent Dublins with a soft, Horn-like fluidity through the transition. The smooth, flowing curves of this piece are informed by a crisp ridgeline that begins at the heel and gracefully traces up the lower left edge of the shank, forming a tear-drop-like profile. The bowl is pinched along its flanks, to create an oval shape that fits comfortably in the hand, aligning perfectly with this piece's robust proportions. The rim is crowned with rugged plateau, and the bocote accent inlaid at the stem base enhances this piece's overall organic aesthetic. Dressing the stummel is a ruby sandblast that highlights ring grain that ripples up the bowl.