David Huber: Sandblasted Volcano (4924) Tobacco Pipe

David Huber developed a passion for pipe making after purchasing his first pipe in 2006. By 2014 he was a full-time pipe maker. Huber takes inspiration from the Danish and Japanese schools of design and primarily focuses on curvaceous, gestural Freehands, though he occasionally incorporates traditional shapes. His work is known for its exceptional finishes, stunning grain, and masterful craftsmanship. This Volcano is a fine showcase of the American artisan's design style, with supple curves juxtaposed by sharp ridgelines. A pair of firm ridgelines emerge from the face of the shank, flowing into the base of the bowl. Below said ridgelines, the underside of the shank is softly rounded and left smooth to display a stunning array of birdseye throughout. The ovoid shank tapers downward from a broad face to a tight transition, from which the bowl arcs upward into an urging posture, providing this piece with a gestural momentum. The bowl maintains a continuous taper from the heel to the rim, and the entire composition further accentuates this piece's dynamic appearance. Completing the silhouette is a sleek, tapering stem of black acrylic that features an expansion ring at its base. Dressing the stummel is an inky sandblast that draws out growth rings along the bowl, save for the rim, underside, and face of the shank, all of which are left smooth for contrast.