Kurt Balleby: Smooth Paneled Bent Brandy Tobacco Pipe

Kurt Balleby's work can't be neatly characterized into a singular style, with his penchant for working within the Danish classical tradition, coupled with an inclination toward shapes which place an emphasis on curve, and often crisp-lined, structured forms. This paneled bent Brandy does, to my eye, fall most easily into the lattermost camp, though the plump bowl and well-defined transition keep the composition pretty soundly Danish. There's also a fair bit of curvature to the form at large, as Kurt made use of the lightest touch of undulation to lend it the impression of forward motion, a lovely contrast to the ornate, octagonal paneling at the pronounced bowl. The carver used said paneling to great effect however, as dense pools of birdseye fill those facets at the left and right, with the aft and fore dominated by a nearly razor-tight lane of cross-grain. Kurt's carried the birdseye through to the very succinct paneling at the left and right of the shank, further emphasizing that structured geometry. Remarkable work here.

- Daniel Bumgardner