Downie Pipes

[Growley]

I think this is where this would go...

I wanted to give a shout out about one of my favorite carvers Stephen Downie. This is completely unsolicited by him, in fact, he'll probably never know I did it. But he's normally so busy with commission work that I rarely see pipes on his site that are actually available for sale, and I saw just tonight that he has three. His Persephone is gorgeous!

Anyway, if you've been wanting one, maybe now's the time.

Here's a link to his SITE.

 

[Trifecta13]

I'd run across Stephen's work before, so it was great to finally take a look at his site. His work is just extraordinary. I did find one fault with your post... To call the Persephone gorgeous is a horrific understatement. It is stunning. Unfortunately it is also well out of reach for my bank account. If someone would like to procure it for me though, I would be happy to offer my endentured servitude, or my second born. Would offer the first born, but the wife has grown rather attached to him.

 

[Blackhorse]

Mr. G - you were correct to question the placement of your post. Here in the Trading Post isn't the right spot as you're not selling anything, etc. Not to worry, I'll move it for you.

BTW: Downey is perhaps my favorite pipe artist. NO ONE, anywhere, does work like his. He really does stand alone. For anyone who's not seen his work before, use the link above and look at the 'commissions' section. Among all the astounding pieces, when you look at them...blow them up and check out the details. Look at the 'copper' series ones. Wow. Just...wow.

 

[Dutch]

Great post Brian! Stephen Downie is one of the most visionary and artistic master carvers in the industry. While some would say that some of his work is not practical for everyday smoking, his vision for turning briar into functional art is extraordinary! He is a young man as well, and I can only imagine what he has in store for the pipe community in decades to come.

I really like that small rusticated pot he has available. I bet it would make a fantastic flake pipe.

He does regularly post pics of some of his commission work to Facebook, and I am always blown away by every new piece he creates.

Here is a couple pics of a recent pipe he created, that got a lot of attention and comments on Facebook.....

 

[Kyle Weiss]

He's one of the few I think of when I coin the term "pipe artist." There's carvers that make two dozen perfect billiard shapes a year, and then there's the rarity of talent like Downie. When it's right, there, to me, is no difference in the craft of either art. It's about the product and end result.

Pipe carving from the standpoint of someone like Downie means that if you have multiple hobby-interests, as shown by the phonograph pipe, the rare opportunity to morph the two together charmingly is available. :cheers:

 

[Blackhorse]

One of the things I like so much about his work is that, at least with the commission pieces, the themes are carried out not only to perfection re the designs and craftsmanship...but the IDEAS he presents and some of the names are so totally unique! His ability to carve organic forms and combine classic shapes with fantasy forms is also singular. So far as I know he's the only one who can carry that off.

Re his works as truly representing 'art'...to me it's in trying to understand how his works have meaning. Once I began to explore this, his work instantly changed dimension. It moved from looking at the surface to the soul behind the work and allowed me to refocus on the deeper meanings. How does what he creates reflect his ideas of our world...our culture? The beasts, monsters, folk tales, mythologies, etc. he creates do show a singular expression. And what makes them even more than that is that they are items to be used. I think that many of them could sit in a museum, but even better, they are pieces that patrons use. I love that applied aspect.

 

[Anonymous]

Here's the concept (& term) you're looking for,
but you'll have to dig it out of the translation machine syntax.

http://www.ebay.com/gds/Objects-of-vertu-origin-quick-history-amp-definition/10000000001321603/g.html

:face:

 

[Blackhorse]

Interesting little piece, though I wasn't in need of any added concepts or terms as I had and used the ones I wanted.

The end note re Faberge was a noteworthy though as the relationships between the eggs and the pipes fail in terms of both the patrons, the creative intentions and of course the materials used.

Instead of the liturgical art which the writer is describing I think of the pipes more as almost a synthesis of folk art and industrial design...but more. I detest the term, 'the next level' which all too often is used to challenge one who is deemed sub-par. But amid many, many stellar craftsmen, the next level is certainly where Downie's work resides.

 

[Anonymous]

Handcrafted objects d'art that are loved and collected for their sheer beauty and perfection
are objects of vertu. That's the concept you were getting at with Downie's pipes.

:face:

 

[Blackhorse]

Yes dear, I understand both the concept and the term. I'm just saying I don't agree that's what I was 'getting at'. I think what he produces is different. My opinion. Maybe you didn't catch that. But again, it was an interesting sidebar. Let's keep it as a sidebar and not highjack this thread by bickering about things that don't matter.

 

[i.keenum]

The kraken and zombie pipes are some of my favorites.

 

[Blackhorse]

I think he issues a special 'Halloween Pipe' each year. As you might imagine there are a lot of folks that look forward to seeing what he will come up with.

 

[Kyle Weiss]

Re his works as truly representing 'art'...to me it's in trying to understand how his works have meaning. Once I began to explore this, his work instantly changed dimension.

*cough*...well, you did indirectly ask, or at least leave yourself open to suggestion... :lol:

...back at the ranch...

Actually, thanks to Yak for re-reminding me the root of the word "virtuoso." I hadn't read up on "virtu" in a while...probably some smarty-pants art teacher years ago or something, back when all I wanted was friction of music and flesh. :lol:

Downie pipes take on iconic notions, they're familiar. They're also very "real" looking, three-dimensional and have what in some circles call "still motion." They look alive, no matter if it's inanimate (in concept) or some creepy science-fiction character.

Always been a fan of his work, always will. Maybe he can make a Margaret Thatcher pipe?

(...too soon?)

 

[Blackhorse]

I'm almost always open to suggestions.