Scott Klein: Sandblasted Tomato with Briar Tobacco Pipe

Ivarsson meets American modern with a touch of Japanese naturalism. Those are the first associations that came to mind upon glancing over at this bent Tomato from Scott Klein. The teardrop ridge flowing along the left flank dissolves gracefully into the soft curvature of the bowl in the manner set forth by Lars. Yet the distribution of proportions and the shape's powerful, forward momentum in profile seem to speak to the unique style explored by modern American artisans. Yet even still, the elongated bowl and overall asymmetry speak to the Japanese school of pipe design. Whether Scott was consciously considering these influences while making this piece is irrelevant. What is important is that he fused together these individual elements into something cohesive and balanced. And that he created something so simply beautiful in the process.

- Andrew Wike