Jody Davis: Sandblasted Acorn with Bloodwood (Friar) (C16) (02) Tobacco Pipe

The first thing that struck me about this Acorn rendition from Jody Davis, viewing it initially from the left flank, was the sheer power and force of its muscular proportions. Its tight-knit profile presents a composition that guides the eye effortlessly across the curving lines, allowing it to come to a reassuring rest at the softly rounded rim. And yet, through a feat which can only be described as an Ivarsson-esque optical illusion, the right flank showcases Jody's delicate use of the familiar teardrop ridge to lend the shape an antithetical sense of motion: one defined by a crisp supporting line at the underside, serving as the foundation for the poised, upright bowl. He accentuated the already deftly-achieved grain pattern with an even more impressive sandblast, stained a deep, dark shade of red to pair with the rich, dark cumberland stem and bloodwood accent. A wonderful piece from Jody Davis.

- Daniel Bumgardner