Lauren Rants-Penury

I made this ballpoint pen for myself. The blank has a history. 20 years ago I worked with Curtis Seebeck when "Worthless Wood" was a new, revolutionary ideal. I so admired his work, and appreciated his council. I was new to pen making and thought making my own blanks was the coolest thing I could have imagined. I bought a couple of blanks from him for inspiration. Every once in a while I would come across them and think, "I need to make a pen from one of Curtis's blanks" then put it aside. Finally I've gotten around to it. I have moved on mostly from that phase, but seeing this reminds me how beautiful this concept is when done properly. I'm going to make a few of them myself, for old times sake! Meanwhile enjoy this blank, made from scrap wood off of one of Curtis's construction sites in Texas.

Spalting in wood occurs as wood begins to decay but isn’t quite beyond use. Well timed, it can be rescued and used to make beautiful artwork. This one is made from Spalted Maple where the bacteria has caused a kind of puzzle-piece look. I would love to send it to you.