That's not a bunch of charcoal grills you see under the plastic covers. That's my tools and this is a picture of my "workshop". And it's raining here today, so I'm forced inside to work on paintings. This is probably a good thing since painting is how I make a living. But it's going to be in the low 70s today and temperature-wise this would be a great day to get some pipe racks going. Oh well, I'll play the hand I'm dealt.
Along these lines I want to mention an email conversation I had w/ the Slovenian pipe maker,
Gregor Lobnik. I purchased a Lobnik pipe back in December and it has become one of my favorite pipes.
It is an unstained, linear rusticated, straight, brandy sort of pipe and with each bowl I smoke it becomes a deeper, rich
er golden nut brown sort of color. Very lovely. Anyway, back to the conversation- Gregor asked me what I did for a living. I told him I am an artist. He replied that it must be wonderful to make a living doing what you love. He works as a surveyor and likes his job, but he would love to make pipes full time. I wish everyone could do what they love and make a living doing it (I also wish for World Peace) but it is especially disheartening when someone w/ Gregor's talent has so little time to to pursue his passion. And on top of that it makes me feel guilty! So take a look at Gregor's pipes and see if you might be able to help alleviate some of my guilt - buy a pipe or two. -T
Just finished up this cabinet. You'll be able to go to church for a full week with this one. Made to hold Churchwardens up to 16" long and with extra depth to accommodate the curving stems of the gracious pipes. Drop front compartment holds your 'baccy and such. Trimmed out in Hunter Green, ready for your wall or table. -M
This one was a re-design of the Rowanoak 44 made to hold 24 pipes. The dental trim at the top is all hand done - cut with my wife's great grandfather's dovetail saw. The finish is pretty much just varnish over Western Cedar, which most of my racks are made from. I did wipe on a bit of stain between coats of varnish to add depth and contrast, but the color is pretty much the color of Western Cedar itself. I should have more to share in the next few days! -M
My pipe making friends from Sweden Martin Vollmer and Anders Nilsson sent these photos of MY pipe in progress. This is one of their pipes I will be picking up at the Chicago Pipe Show. V&N do stunning work and I think you can see from these photos that this pipe will be no exception. I can't wait to get it in my hands! -T
friend sent me photos of one of his Bo Nordh pipes. He bought it because of the grain. After seeing the photos I can't imagine who could resist this pipe. The grain is amazing but on top of that the shape is so graceful. Most horns look like something that Vikings drink mead out of but this pipe looks as though it could be the wedding cup of royalty. Cinderella and the Prince could drink champagne on their wedding night from this. Beautiful- what else can I say? Bo Nordh may be gone but he certainly left his mark. Bravo Bo! -T
Kurt and his pal Will are apparently satisfied customers! Not only did they write very kind emails, downright praising the Two Cousin Pipe Racks they purchased (Will has 2 now! One from Mark and one of mine) but they also offered to buy us a meal if we ever make it over to their neck of the woods. They don't know us very well- we might just show up at their door! -T
"Little Room" that adjoins my shop. It has heat and air. It's pretty swank. It also serves as my smoking palace. I've sold a few of the Collector Cabinets and I think that I will expand on the style. It's unique design allows you to display almost any shape. I promise more shots of the shop and work in progress next week. "Til then, Happy Smoking! -M
