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J. Alan Pipes: Difference between revisions
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If you take a look at the pipe making greats, you will usually find one of a couple of paths into their craft. Either they were born into a home where there were pipe makers, Lars and Nanna Ivarsson ([[Ivarssons]]) come to mind of course, but so do many others, or they played with it for a bit over a long period of time, then finally put their all into the briar; Peter [[Matzhold]] comes to mind. Then we have Jeff Gracik. | If you take a look at the pipe making greats, you will usually find one of a couple of paths into their craft. Either they were born into a home where there were pipe makers, Lars and Nanna Ivarsson ([[Ivarssons]]) come to mind of course, but so do many others, or they played with it for a bit over a long period of time, then finally put their all into the briar; Peter [[Matzhold]] comes to mind. Then we have Jeff Gracik. | ||
[[File:JeffGracik.jpg|thumb|left|Jeff Gracik, courtesy [http://tobaccodays.com/2011/10/jeff-gracik-of-j-alan-pipes-arrived-at-the-top-with-time-to-spare/ TobaccoDays.com]]]J.Alan pipes are made by Jeffrey A. Burt-Gracik in lovely San Diego, California. Having chosen an ideal location to not only live and surf, but make pipes in a workshop that gets neither too cold nor too hot, Jeff is one of the very few makers worldwide that has ideal working conditions. | [[File:JeffGracik.jpg|thumb|left|Jeff Gracik, courtesy [http://tobaccodays.com/2011/10/jeff-gracik-of-j-alan-pipes-arrived-at-the-top-with-time-to-spare/ TobaccoDays.com]]][[File:Gracik SpeedingEggBamboo.jpg|thumb|Speeding Egg w/Bamboo, courtesy [https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/alan/ Smokingpipes.com]]][[File:Gracik SmoothEggBoxwood.jpg|thumb|Smooth Egg w/Boxwood, courtesy [https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipes/new/alan/ Smokingpipes.com]]]J.Alan pipes are made by Jeffrey A. Burt-Gracik in lovely San Diego, California. Having chosen an ideal location to not only live and surf, but make pipes in a workshop that gets neither too cold nor too hot, Jeff is one of the very few makers worldwide that has ideal working conditions. | ||
Born of Meadville, Pennsylvania, Princeton educated, Jeff played with making a couple of pipes while earning his Master's degree. He then immediately became addicted to the craft and went full-time pipe maker. | Born of Meadville, Pennsylvania, Princeton educated, Jeff played with making a couple of pipes while earning his Master's degree. He then immediately became addicted to the craft and went full-time pipe maker. | ||
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[[Image:jeffgracik1.jpg|thumb|left|Zen Blowfish]][[Image:jeffgracik2.jpg|thumb|right|Zen Blowfish]] | [[Image:jeffgracik1.jpg|thumb|left|Zen Blowfish]][[Image:jeffgracik2.jpg|thumb|right|Zen Blowfish]] | ||
'''Zen Blowfish, Jeff's description:''' This is undoubtedly one of my finest creations. It was as if my hands were completely guided by a force outside themselves. The wood cooperated perfectly (anyone who works with briar knows how rare this is) and left me a pipe that has not a single visible surface flaw and has exceptional grain. The piece is clearly inspired by the spectacular work of Gotoh-san, yet my own style is overwhelmingly present within it. The design thrusts angularity and sensual curves together into a composition that could not be complete without their mutual presence. This pipe is an accomplishment that I will not soon forget. | '''Zen Blowfish, Jeff's description:''' This is undoubtedly one of my finest creations. It was as if my hands were completely guided by a force outside themselves. The wood cooperated perfectly (anyone who works with briar knows how rare this is) and left me a pipe that has not a single visible surface flaw and has exceptional grain. The piece is clearly inspired by the spectacular work of Gotoh-san, yet my own style is overwhelmingly present within it. The design thrusts angularity and sensual curves together into a composition that could not be complete without their mutual presence. This pipe is an accomplishment that I will not soon forget. | ||
[[Image:jeffgracik5.jpg|thumb|right|Blasted Dublin]][[Image:jeffgracik6.jpg|thumb|left|Blasted Dublin]]'''Blasted Dublin, Jeff's Description:''' This sandblasted Dublin is a workhorse pipe with unexpected grace. Its egg-shaped top profile continue through to the shank face which is capped with a generous ring of pre-ban elephant ivory. The grain on this wood simply could not have performed better in the sandblaster. I wish they all were like this; beautifully defined, deep, regular rings. To top it all off, the pipe is light as a feather. | [[Image:jeffgracik5.jpg|thumb|right|Blasted Dublin]][[Image:jeffgracik6.jpg|thumb|left|Blasted Dublin]]'''Blasted Dublin, Jeff's Description:''' This sandblasted Dublin is a workhorse pipe with unexpected grace. Its egg-shaped top profile continue through to the shank face which is capped with a generous ring of pre-ban elephant ivory. The grain on this wood simply could not have performed better in the sandblaster. I wish they all were like this; beautifully defined, deep, regular rings. To top it all off, the pipe is light as a feather. | ||
[[Image:jeffgracik3.jpg|thumb|left|Dewdrop]][[Image:jeffgracik4.jpg|thumb|right|Dewdrop]] | |||
'''Dewdrop, Jeff's description:''' Sometimes as an artist, you simply cannot trace the origin of an idea nor identify its genesis. The Dewdrop was not inspired by its namesake but instead came to be identified as one as it morphed and developed into its final self. The pipe underwent countless reconceptions, inversions, and variations before my mind finally wrapped itself around the task of its creation. Its lines, angles, rolls, and curves are manifold and so organic that the piece is difficult to explain. Instead, I will simply say that I am indeed pleased. | |||
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