Inspiration For my Michael Parks Commission

[iamn8]

Progression on my new Parks commission... I went through his site looking at all his pieces, trying to choose one as an aesthetic inspiration for the squat straight bulldog he'll be doing for me. This blowfish of his is one of the coolest looking pipes I've ever seen. I sent him an email asking if he felt it would be a good basis for mine, a similar stain and partial blast. He said absolutely. I've never seen a partial blast, other than his, that I'd ever care to own. I can't wait to see how this pipe comes out... only a 10-12 months wait

 

[Chasing Embers]

Love a good asstmetrical blowfish! They fill a palm surprisingly well! Here's a shot of my Fugu blowfish from Bruce Weaver. Definitely a distinguished shape. The partial blast on that Parks is beautiful, I say go for it!
http://pipesmagazine.com/members/chasingembers/album/picture/16697

 

[drezz01]

I, like yourself, usually find partially-rusticated or partially-blasted pipes a little odd. With the exception of the rim, I can appreciate a nice smooth rim on an otherwise rusticated or blasted pipe. I guess in this blowfish's case, the top surface is an extension of the rim so it makes sense that it is smooth. It looks like the far surface is smooth as well however, hmmm.
What am I saying, it's Michael Parks, it's going to be amazing!

 

[iamn8]

CM, very nice blowfish. I agree the symmetrical ones are far more pleasing to the eye and the hand. I haven't seen many smooth pipes by him. I like.
Yeah Drez, I have nothing but confidence in Parks. I've never seen a pipe by him that I would be honored to own. With something as utilitarian as a pipe, something that's been around for thousands of years, it's quite hard to create a style distinctive enough to create a signature look. Even harder to create a gallery of work that's varied, yet retains that signature aesthetic. I love his aesthetic sensibilities. I'm quite curious as to what his work will look a decade from now.

 

[Chasing Embers]

His accent materials fascinate me. Been debating a Parks myself.

 

[iamn8]

Yeah ditto!! He'll be using meteorite material on this commission to go with my other passion astronomy/Astrophotography. I'm VERY curious as to how it'll be used. The commission, my first, which should be starting about now, to be delivered around Xmas, will be a large Diplomat with a partial blast and a thick mammoth bone collar. His materials caught my eye as well.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Hope he sends you progress pics. That makes the commission even more exciting!

 

[iamn8]

Ditto!! I've seen that he sometimes does that. I'm exceedingly curious to witness the progress. Been waiting for this pipe since beginning of the year. I plan on making this a yearly event. Love the idea of one pipe per year to be received around Xmas/New Years, something to look forward to

 

[iamn8]

Just can't get over these partial blasts....

 

[Chasing Embers]

That's how I do Bruce's pipes. An annual event that ends with a surprise pipe on my birthday!

 

[pruss]

Mike was talking about wanting to make a blowfish when we were at his place in September. That's a good sign, when you want a shape, and the carver wants to make one, good things happen.
Best of luck with your commission, Nate.
-- Pat

 

[disinformatique]

I am not a big fan of partial blasts, but Parks make them look beautiful. 10-12 months is worth the wait