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A Conversation with Jeff Gracik: Difference between revisions
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'''Jeff''': There is so much about pipemaking that is instinctive. This is eminently true of my work, especially in its creation and development over time. I have never sought out with a particular thematic direction in mind, but instead allow myself to be open to the inspiration that surrounds me, be it in the block of briar, a shape I've seen in nature, a mood or sense, or even a song that has been prominent in my mind. Themes therefore come and go organically. I think that if one looks at the body of my work they will see several themes present. | '''Jeff''': There is so much about pipemaking that is instinctive. This is eminently true of my work, especially in its creation and development over time. I have never sought out with a particular thematic direction in mind, but instead allow myself to be open to the inspiration that surrounds me, be it in the block of briar, a shape I've seen in nature, a mood or sense, or even a song that has been prominent in my mind. Themes therefore come and go organically. I think that if one looks at the body of my work they will see several themes present. | ||
First, I am heavily influenced by the classic English and Danish shapes. I have a tremendous respect for them and their dominance in pipemaking history. Secondly, I have been influenced by all of those pipemakers with whom I've worked: Jody Davis, Todd Johnson, and Tonni Nielsen. Each of them has influenced my work in one way or another. Finally, there is one distinct theme in my work that is overwhelmingly present. I currently live on the Pacific coast of Southern California and grew up spending my summers sailing when I lived back east. If you look at my work, you will see a rather distinct nautical theme like the bow of a boat cutting through the waves, or the sweep of a line beneath a pipe not unlike the silhouette of a fine sailing vessel. | First, I am heavily influenced by the classic English and Danish shapes. I have a tremendous respect for them and their dominance in pipemaking history. Secondly, I have been influenced by all of those pipemakers with whom I've worked: [[Jody Davis (J. Davis)]], [[Todd Johnson]], and [[Tonni Nielsen]]. Each of them has influenced my work in one way or another. Finally, there is one distinct theme in my work that is overwhelmingly present. I currently live on the Pacific coast of Southern California and grew up spending my summers sailing when I lived back east. If you look at my work, you will see a rather distinct nautical theme like the bow of a boat cutting through the waves, or the sweep of a line beneath a pipe not unlike the silhouette of a fine sailing vessel. | ||
I believe that there are manifold design and engineering elements that make my work distinctive and special. Principally, a pipe must function properly, and my pipes must smoke supremely well. There is no margin for error. I spent the beginning of my career perfecting the engineering of my work. Everything must be perfect. Later I developed a natural proprietary bowl coating mixture to ease or eliminate the break-in period. Beyond functionality, the shape of the pipe must be elegant, bold, distinctive in some what that makes it leap off the shelf, photograph, or table. The confluence of shape and finishing create a pipe's siren song. I have worked extraordinarily hard to master each one of these elements and to unite them into work that I believe is uniquely beautiful. | I believe that there are manifold design and engineering elements that make my work distinctive and special. Principally, a pipe must function properly, and my pipes must smoke supremely well. There is no margin for error. I spent the beginning of my career perfecting the engineering of my work. Everything must be perfect. Later I developed a natural proprietary bowl coating mixture to ease or eliminate the break-in period. Beyond functionality, the shape of the pipe must be elegant, bold, distinctive in some what that makes it leap off the shelf, photograph, or table. The confluence of shape and finishing create a pipe's siren song. I have worked extraordinarily hard to master each one of these elements and to unite them into work that I believe is uniquely beautiful. | ||
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'''Bear''': Which pipe makers influence you? | '''Bear''': Which pipe makers influence you? | ||
'''Jeff''': There are three pipemakers whose influence is most prominent in my own work. The first is Jody Davis. I have been periodically working in Jody's workshop for the last two years. His shapes are undeniably unique and distinctive for their quality and style. I also consider Jody to be one of the Grand Masters of North America. The second is Todd Johnson, who graciously opened his workshop to me when I was a new pipemaker. Many of the techniques I currently use were originally learned from him. Elements of Todd's style are also evident in my work. He's one of the greatest pipemakers in the world whose work I truly admire, so it is difficult to avoid influence. Finally, Tonni Nielsen shared some aesthetic perspective with me when I was starting in 2005 that has been a persistent influence on my work ever since. All three of these pipemakers are world-class and I am honored to have worked with them and to draw from their various expertise. | '''Jeff''': There are three pipemakers whose influence is most prominent in my own work. The first is [[Jody Davis (J. Davis)]]. I have been periodically working in Jody's workshop for the last two years. His shapes are undeniably unique and distinctive for their quality and style. I also consider Jody to be one of the Grand Masters of North America. The second is [[Todd Johnson]], who graciously opened his workshop to me when I was a new pipemaker. Many of the techniques I currently use were originally learned from him. Elements of Todd's style are also evident in my work. He's one of the greatest pipemakers in the world whose work I truly admire, so it is difficult to avoid influence. Finally, [[Tonni Nielsen]] shared some aesthetic perspective with me when I was starting in 2005 that has been a persistent influence on my work ever since. All three of these pipemakers are world-class and I am honored to have worked with them and to draw from their various expertise. | ||
'''Bear''': Do you smoke a pipe? What is your favorite tobacco? | '''Bear''': Do you smoke a pipe? What is your favorite tobacco? | ||