An Evening With Michael Parks

[brdavidson]

I was lucky enough to be invited to Michael Parks workshop last night for an open house through our local B&M Victory Cigars. They had a new tobacco brand for sampling that is just being made available in Canada, Colt Tobacco (no relation to the cigarillos) and we got to check out some of the pipes that Michael is working on right now. I have to say it was pretty amazing to see these pipes in person, he is a true artist, and hopefully one day I'll be able to commission my very own Parks pipe. Thanks to Victory Cigars and Michael Parks for co-hosting the event, it was a great time. Also, to any Canadians, ask your local B&M about Colt tobaccos, they were really very nice. I had the Colt Golden Dance (or something like that, don't have the package with me), its a straight Virginia blend that has a real nice natural sweetness to it.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

Did you see the three commissions Michael is working on for me? lol

 

[brdavidson]

No, I did mention them (hope that's ok) and he said he'll be starting on them in the next week or so.

 

[brdavidson]

And you're one lucky bugger for getting three items done by him. If what I saw was any indication (and I'm by no means an expert) then you are in for an amazing surprise when you get your commissions. He is an artist.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

He did send me a photo of the box that was made for the two pipe set and that got me pretty excited. He and his woodworker are also working on a pipe cabintet for me that I am also pretty excited about.

 

[pruss]

What an awesome evening. It was a real treat to be able to spend time with Michael and learn how he creates his pipes. Thanks for posting the pics Brian.
-- Pat

 

[brdavidson]

Well good luck with them, I'm sure you'll be pleased with the end results. Make sure to post pictures when you get them. When you're out this way, perhaps drop me a line and maybe we'll be able to share a bowl.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

Absolutely. Same for you guys if you are down in my neck of the woods.

 

[kashmir]

I commissioned a Michael Parks blasted billiard last year. Must say its the centerpiece of my collection. The blast is spectacular, the engineering spot-on, and it smokes like a dream.

Here's a close up of Michael's blast.

 

[yazamitaz]

Ok Bri and Pat.....that's it. I have had about enough of you two parading your piping in my face. I am coming up to your neck of the woods this summer. Even for just an extended weekend. I would LOVE to be able to sit in an artists shop and enjoy a bowl while admiring their work and listening to their vision.
I have to take a road trip up to Jake Hackert's place for a tour, since he is only about 2 hours away.
Kashmir - that pipe is GORGEOUS!!!!

 

[pruss]

Kashmir - that pipe is GORGEOUS!!!!

Uh huh. What he said. Wow Kashmir... I love that blast.

Ok Bri and Pat.....that's it. I have had about enough of you two parading your piping in my face.

It's unintentional parading Dan. You know, we Canadians are a gentle sort. Kinda. :mrgreen:
C'mon up. I'm sure we can find a couple pipe-ish things to do...
-- Pat

 

[yazamitaz]

You know it Pat. I am definitely going to find the time to do this.
Canadians...gentle?? Yes, the country that invented hockey. Such a gently game eh? :rofl:
Actually Canada is one of my favorite countries to visit, after Spain. Montreal is basically an 8 hour drive to Europe, if you get my reference. Toronto is just like NY or Phila, sans the obnoxiousness.

 

[kashmir]

Thanks gents. You're lucky to have spent some time with him. Michael's blasts are spectacular. I see them as unique among the current North American pipe artisans, almost a micro-blast effect, where every vien in the briar is highlighted and stands out in sharp relief. I try not to handle the bowl much, as I don't want to wear down the blast, prefering instead to use the stem and shank. I'm a clencher, from charring light to dottle, and that helps to keep my blasts virgin. Of course, with Michael's pipe I'm extra careful. Love it just as it is. LOL.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

Peter Ustinov called Toronto "New York, run by the Swiss".
Personally, I like New York better. I have an affinity for obnoxiousness.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

Hey - did you guys see Michael's new "pencil blast" machine? he was telling me about it a few months ago.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

Kash - that is an amazing blast. I hope mine look half as good.

 

[numbersix]

Thanks for the post and photos br - sounds like a nice time. And those pipes of Parks are beautiful.
And @Kashmir - that pipe is amazing!

 

[pruss]

Hey - did you guys see Michael's new "pencil blast" machine?

Peck, in the top photo above you can see his small and unassuming sandblaster and to the right is the blasting chamber. I didn't get a close look at the tips/guns/attachments he uses to direct the blasts though.
-- Pat