I was born in 1980 in Buffalo, NY. I spent the majority of my childhood around pipe smokers and my Uncle in particular who was a singularly important influence in my life. It was a given that I could be seen following my Uncle around, or tinkering in his workshop at his side with a pipe in my mouth. There has always been a comfort associated with the pipe and I remember summer evenings by a campfire with my Uncle puffing away, apparently deep in thought, staring into the fire. I always had great respect for him and only hoped that someday I would grow up to not just be like him, but to be able to have that same contented experience. I can’t say that I have achieved that level yet, but I try every day.

It wasn’t until much later in life that I came to carving my first pipe. I had smoked on and off during my teens, but the thrill of being cool far outweighed the desire to smoke a pipe. I always had the pipes that my Uncle gave me on my dresser in my room, but they were more of a conversation piece than anything else. I finally came to my senses in my mid-twenties and slinked my way into the local smoke shop. This is the same shop that my Uncle has been going to for 30 years, so I was familiar with it, but slightly out of place. If not for the open inviting atmosphere of that place, I may have walked out and away from pipe smoking forever. Fortunately, I became a fixture and the owner (a local carver) allowed me to watch and learn and eventually try my hand at carving. The rest is history I suppose, and here I am today. I still spend much of my time in that shop… and all my carving is done there.

I think the pipe is a way of life… and it took me a long time to realize that. I now enjoy my time with my pipes… early in the morning while the dark still blankets the world… with a cup of coffee, relaxing, contemplating… thinking of those times with my Uncle by the campfire.

~ Justin