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So I actually started this before Pipe #10, but I had to keep redoing my contrast stain cus' I suck. So here she is in all her unruly glory. Pipe #11. Critique is appreciated!
I think the issue here is I'm editing on a macbook, which has great contrast and tonal detail in shadows. But some displays don't. In the future I'll take my "pretty photos" and then I'll also take my pipemaker photos on a white background.
Ocelot- Yes indeed I like this shape a lot, I'm trying to develop it more each time. Hopefully I can hone it into something special eventually. The diamond shank on this is a feature I really like for sure.
Growley- I do take comissions... and no the briar isn't all the way through, it's an extension with a delrin tenon seated through the whole thing. Then there is a half inch space drilled to 5/16 for my stem tenon to insert.
Wayne- I've had trouble with my upload/ export from camera raw. This pipe is already in the box, so it isn't an option- however, in the future I'll be sure to take two sets of photos- one stylized and the other on white. Thanks for the info man!
Question though, is it hard to see detail on the top photo? Or is it the ones below?
I like it. The stem saddle shoulder thing is a bit abrupt for the rest of the pipe, I think it messes with its mojo. It looks like it could use a fillet.
I think your contrast looks fine in the images you have up.
There are a couple of areas just under the rim that I'd want to take a closer look at but it may just be reflections. I also think the stem could be shinier in general and more delicate where it meets the extension (is that the saddle shoulder?) but it's a real beauty and will make some lucky smoker a happy camper for sure.
I love the artsy photography and it has quite a bit of shading on my big monitor but agree it may not have enough contrast for a potential buyer who's looking to be convinced beyond doubt.
I'll offer a sort of token criticism - this, as a #11 is a terrific piece. But I don't think it's beyond improvement. The first photos seem to show that the curve of the "edge" sort of flattens out and then curves up again - it might be better if it was a more continuous curve, either curving up more at the end or flattening out french-curve style.
I keep thinking that the stem is a tiny bit too long, but that might just be my aesthetic preference for chubby stuff. Overall it reminds me of a Le Nuvole. That's pretty okay.
The top of the bowl, while displaying terrific birdseye, is a little incongruous with the rest of the pipe - all the hard lines, the long, lean shape, and then this sort of amorphous rim.... it just doesn't quite work.
Hey Sas! Thanks for the thoughts! I'm revamping my design, and I really agree with what you say about the top and the curve! I think you're seeing the flat spot about 3/8" into the blackwood extension. My curve didn't quite flow there, you're right! What you say about the stem is also possible. I really need to practice my bead work so I can add a shoulder to my next attempt. I think a short stem with a good bead on it would really help the design.
This next one is comissioned and they want it to be a churchwarden- I'm gonna have to modify my lines for that to work Hopefully my shipment of A Cut Above will be here in the next week. I'm also waiting on Kurt Huhn to ship me one of his sanding rigs