G. Penzo: Sandblasted Pickaxe (Shell) (A) Tobacco Pipe

This Pickaxe from Giacomo Penzo more closely evokes the look of some architectural, Kriswill-esque Danish bent Dublins than the more commonly-seen interpretations of the shape, to my eye. The bowl's sleek and streamlined taper, and likewise forward-reaching gesture as it comes to rest at a succinctly pointed heel, is something like a minimalist reduction of the Pickaxe, paring the form down to the absolutely essential. From the low-set transition and shank's upward gesture, the eye is guided to the gradually curved saddle stem, making use of just the right amount of negative space to maintain an acute visual balance in profile. A dark application of Giacomo's Shell sandblast has coaxed out an excellent degree of texture, highlighting a reverse cross-cut grain pattern with absolute aplomb. A neat piece.