Description
Happy Pride month! To celebrate, I’m making a series of pipes inspired by icons and leaders of the LGBTQ community. Proceeds for these pipes will go to Human Rights Campaign (www.hrc.org) which works to ensure that members LGBTQ+ community have the freedom to live their truth without fear, and with equality under the law.
As I am a diehard Trekie, my first pipe is inspired by George Takei. Mr. Takei, who played Lt. Sulu on TOS, has been outspoken on LGBTQ issues for decades. I met Mr. Takei once at a Star Trek event my daughter and I went to. Though my interaction with him was brief, he struck me as a gentle, caring and dignified man with a wry sense of humor. This pipe, clearly influenced by traditional kiseru pipes, draws on Mr. Takei’s Japanese-American heritage, adding a little color and sparkle for his wit and humor. Though, the shape and color are non-traditional, the overall effect is understated. The pipe, while unusual, isn’t loud. It’s simply speaking loud enough to be heard without drowning out other voices. Just like Mr. Takei has. I hope that in some small way, my work does him justice.
