Alex Florov: Smooth Circles on the Water (Slonim) Tobacco Pipe

Name: Smooth Circles on the Water (Slonim)
Brand: Alex Florov
SKU: 002-354-0180
Price: 2500.0 USD
Availability: SoldOut

Product Number: 002-354-0180

Alex's ability to take these exceedingly abstract ideas or organic forms and apply them to a functional design in a cohesive, coherent way is what really sets his work apart. Extremely evocative, his shapes push the boundaries of almost every pipe making camp and canon, challenging what we perceive to even be possible, and doing so with such a meticulous hand so as to render each piece nothing short of perfect.

A prime example of such skill is on display in this beautiful composition: Smooth Circles on the Water. One of his more sculptural pieces, it's composed of two individual Blowfish bowl-like forms, set to matching teardrop-like stemwork. Individually each is its own organic and asymmetric form, guiding the eye around each individual part, yet it's all brought together through teardrop-like bevels along each flank — with slight undulating lines emulating splashing water.

The most impressive aspect of the design, however, could possibly be the grain. Simply put, Alex has managed not only to create an extremely complex form, but he's done so in a way that naturally accentuates the block's inherent qualities — highlighting both birdseye and cross-grain with perfection.

- Andrew Wike