These Are Heady Times for Glass Blowers' High Art

[TexasTowelie]

Like many devoted artists, Luken Sheafe has spent years perfecting his craft, shaping rods of multicolored glass into intricate mythological creatures that sell for thousands of dollars.

But unlike many peers, Mr. Sheafe has never had a major exhibition, because his chosen medium is the glass pipe—an object typically displayed in head shops, not art galleries.

That is starting to change. Now that marijuana has been legalized for medical purposes in 20 states, and for recreation in Washington and Colorado, makers of what is known as "heady glass" are showcasing their work in art books and public competitions.

"The fact that they are pipes is relative to the discussion of contemporary art and the American cultural landscape as a whole," says Mr. Sheafe, 32 years old, of his works, which he makes in Austin and sells under the moniker Salt.

More, including video, at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323968704578650500057479398.html .

[nomorenomore08]

1. I own a couple small pipes. Nothing fancy.

Though my friend recently took his bong into a shop to get a new stem piece, and the guy there appraised the bong at about $500 - apparently it's a somewhat rare "model" now. I do like the idea of weed pipes becoming fine art though, seems like a great "fuck you" to the uptight and puritanical.

[In_The_Wind]

2. I bought a few very pretty glass pipes down in Florida.