“Art" Pens are those
which depart significantly from the standard, single material "blank plus hardware" method, making them
even more unique. They may use blanks
"composited" out of two or more materials ('segmented' blanks), or
reverse engineered hardware made out of a requested material, or even do
away the hardware (finials, clip, centerband, etc.) completely - the "kitless" pens.
My first "art pen" was a rhodium and gold Lotus style made with amboyna burl, turquoise Tru-stone, Faux Ivory accents, and Tru-stone bands.
My first "art pen" was a rhodium and gold Lotus style made with amboyna burl, turquoise Tru-stone, Faux Ivory accents, and Tru-stone bands.
A "first" is always important. It gives you the experience you need to recognize your mistakes after you make them again. I am amazed, given my set-up at the time, of how accurately I did this one.
My second attempt was a rhodium and black titanium Statesman Jr. pen, with Dymondwood accents, and three acrylics: Caribbean Swirl, Polar Ice, and Liquid Smoke.
This one reflects growing understanding and ability as well as the addition of a superbly accurate ship modeler's tabletop saw to my equipment.
My third and latest: a sterling silver Sedona with Zebra Acrylic, Turquoise and Varasite Web Tru-stone and Gabon Ebony accents.
My third and latest: a sterling silver Sedona with Zebra Acrylic, Turquoise and Varasite Web Tru-stone and Gabon Ebony accents.
With this one, I think I've got the hang of it.
An "Art Pen" may or may not utilize all the usual pen hardware. In the case of the above, I used all the parts, except for the center band accent ring, which I replaced with the Varasite Web Tru-stone band.
Coming up: "closed-end turning" ...
... and here it is:
Closed end pens dispense with much of the hardware that usually goes into a pen. This one is turned from internal components of the Junior Gentleman style. This allows me freedom to stray from the shape dictated by the end pieces (finials), center bands, and the often rigid lengths needed to accommodate the ink cartridges and twist mechanisms, in the case of some pens.
Here it is open:
Here is another Closed Ends pen using Curly Bubinga Wood:
In time, I will even be attempting what are called "kitless" pens. More to come!
An "Art Pen" may or may not utilize all the usual pen hardware. In the case of the above, I used all the parts, except for the center band accent ring, which I replaced with the Varasite Web Tru-stone band.
Coming up: "closed-end turning" ...
... and here it is:
Closed end pens dispense with much of the hardware that usually goes into a pen. This one is turned from internal components of the Junior Gentleman style. This allows me freedom to stray from the shape dictated by the end pieces (finials), center bands, and the often rigid lengths needed to accommodate the ink cartridges and twist mechanisms, in the case of some pens.
Here it is open:
Here is another Closed Ends pen using Curly Bubinga Wood:
In time, I will even be attempting what are called "kitless" pens. More to come!