Smooth Bent Apple Tobacco Pipe

Benni Jorgensen's style of shaping lends itself to forms like this bent Apple, pairing tight-knit proportions with a sweeping, gestural form in a way that doesn't seem contradictory. A plump bowl and proudly lifting heel have been set to a lenticular, upward flicking shank and downturned saddle stem to create a dramatic S-curve in profile, while the upper transition's curve remains tightly cinched, keeping bowl aloft. As always, Benni's eye for grain and talent with contrast stains is impressive. There's a good amount of flame grain surrounding the bowl, as well as stripes along the shank's flanks, all highlighted in a dramatic contrast stain. Impressive work overall.

- Rachel DuBose