Saw a pipe from a well known maker and didn’t like it. Why?

[Masonrygh]

Hi everyone,

Recently I stumbled across a pipe on Instagram by an amazing maker (they won’t be named obviously, but they’re considered in the “legends tier” of pipemakers) and I found that I didn’t like it.

I don’t want to go into too much detail to retain their anonymity; It was a relatively standard shape, but to my (admittedly amateur) eye, the lines looked off and the shank looked absolutely terrible.

The pipemaker usually does incredible work, and I have nothing but respect for them, which is why I’m so confused and thought I would ask pipemakers forum what’s going on?

I’ve heard some guys talk about how annoying it is when newer pipemakers become know it alls and point out every little “flaw” of a pipe, and I want to make sure that that’s not what I’m doing.

How do I judge my own taste vs another’s vs shoddy craftsmanship?

This maker creates pipes that blow mine out of the water, so is it possible that I am “just not getting their artistic genius”, or should I trust my eye when looking at other people’s pipes?

Thanks everyone, I’m really struggling with this one.

[LatakiaLover]

Without pics meaningful discussion is impossible.

[caskwith]

Could have been a commission piece? I have made some ugly pipes for customers.