Off The Bench - Bent Apple

[shikano53]

A few pics of what I finished today. First, the finish isn't quite as good as I wanted. I may take it down.

I didn't have the heart to rusticate this once I saw the grain and decided to live with the flaw on the mid-right side. I messed up making my very first cut of the block on the band saw and should have left more material so that the shank/bowl line would have been flatter as it should be. There is a very small flaw on the vulcanite stem on the right side that looks to me like a blemish or something that must have happened when the stem was formed. It's not a scuff mark.

Anyway, just wanted to post a few pics.

Cheers

 

[ashdigger]

You are definitely making great progress! That's a pretty good looking pipe. I really like your understanding of what's wrong with the pipe. Very good stuff!!

 

[jpmcwjr]

I'd say very nice.

 

[shikano53]

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

 

[puffy]

Really Nice

 

[fmgee]

Wow Chris, looks wonderful

 

[cbates55]

I like the pipe as it is even with what you pointed out as a flaw in your eyes.

 

[shikano53]

Thank you all for your kind words.

 

[papipeguy]

Very nice job. I certainly would not obsess over the line you drew. What you did gives the pipe a distinct profile.

 

[jravenwood]

Dont be so hard on yourself pal! Thats amazing work, and next time youll do even better..

 

[shikano53]

Thanks guys,

Papi, and jr, since I'm new at all this and everything is a learning curve I find myself obsessing over lines, form, and pattern, more than relaxing and creating, although the 'creative' part is there nonetheless perhaps a bit more layered though. I will keep on keeping on.

Hey Scott, good to hear from you. I hope all is well with you and yours on sunny Vancouver Island!

 

[agnosticpipe]

PM sent

 

[cortezattic]

Beautiful work on the bowl shape! :clap:

That's an amazing pipe!

 

[shikano53]

Sorry folks for taking these pictures down. My reason is just my total lack of confidence in what I'm doing and I feel embarrassed at my efforts. I'm just being honest. I waffle a lot and at least for me; it takes a lot of effort to post. Most times I second guess myself and then go into panic mode and ask a moderator to delete my post.

I'm agoraphobic in the extreme and my garage/shop is my safe haven. I panic if I have to go to the post office, doctor's office, hardware store. Basically anywhere that takes me outside. I haven't always been like this, well yes I have if I'm totally honest with myself but it seems to get worse the older I get. I'm pushing 64 next month. Anyway, that is the bare truth of why I stumble and often pull a thread down or delete pictures. There is an old Japanese proverb that says, "Fall down seven times, get up eight."

I just keep getting up and chasing things. So if one of my threads disappears or the pictures aren't there; please just know it's my paranoia flaring up for a moment. I'm re-posting the pics, I won't post them all just because they have already been up. I'm trying to push through my fears and keep going.

Kindly - Chris

 

[deathmetal]

That's a nice-looking pipe. I would not have any doubts about that one.
I say keep posting them. What's the worst that can happen? Someone dislikes it and says something nasty... well, that's the norm on the internet.
You should view posts on the internet like golf balls on tees. Just an excuse to swing that club, which on the internet is some creative synonym for "up yours to you too buddy."
I heard of a fellow who cured himself of agoraphobia by spending time in greenhouses. Like an inoculation.
Hope you make and post more of these lovely pipes!

 

[didimauw]

Yes you should be proud of the work you do, absolutely beautiful pipes.

 

[shikano53]

Thank you.

DM, I think what you said is true. I think the way to beat it is to face it, and put myself in places that make me uncomfortable.

 

[Chasing Embers]

That's a great looking pipe Chris. Absolutely nothing to be ashamed of there.

 

[mortonbriar]

Go Chris! Just cheering you on...lovely pipe.
Isaac

 

[shikano53]

Thanks folks. Again, my intention was to clarify what goes on in my squirrely head at times. :crazy: