Tom Eltang: Sandblasted Pierced Fish with Horn Tobacco Pipe

Pipe makers seem irrevocably drawn to the sea, many designs inspired by sea creatures, such as the Blowfish, the Nautilus, and this Pierced Fish from the inimitable Tom Eltang, who continues to impress with creative interpretations and designs that astonish enthusiasts around the world. That he could even see this design in a rectangular block of hard briar is beyond my capacity to understand the creative process, but here it is, with organic, natural flow from fin to rim. The blast is medium deep with excellent grain throughout, and covers the stummel except for the modest rim and the edges of the fins, left smooth to provide definition. The composition relies on smooth flow and curvature, and the bowl itself is almost Egg-like in character, with a little Acorn thrown in thanks to the subtle expansion of the upper bowl. A horn shank pierces the fin and bowl, the tail rising in a disposition of surprise at the assault. Perhaps the defining factor in determining when a carver has achieved true mastery of his craft is when his audience more readily recognizes the form's inspiration than the fact that it is indeed a pipe.