General Cue Description-
Built in 2007, the “Eyes of Picasso” was built by commission from collector and fellow CueZillist Deno J. Andrews. Andrews. Andrews asked that the cue be inspired by the works of Pablo Picasso, his favorite artist. Hercek drew inspiration from the ubiquitous almond-shaped eyes in Picasso’s work. Inlaid points in the forearm feature two eyes that contrast each other with alternating pupil colors of black and white. The almond shape is referenced as the point components traveling up the forearm wrap around the verticle eye. Homage is paid to Picasso’s use of black and white and playful use of contrasting shapes and space. And of course, although the points are inlaid, the forearm is sleeved over a true full-splice blank, which Hercek uses for every cue he makes. The handle section is in three pieces. The middle section is solid ivory. The sections above and below the solid ivory feature alternating long boxes of solid ivory and snakewood. The cue’s otherwise black-and-white palette is challenged by the color and the texture of the Snakewood, which was a design risk because black-and-white cues do not commonly have other colors. In this cue stick though, the color and texture of the Snakewood is subtle enough to act as a compliment, but audacious enough to be in the style of Picasso, and Hercek. Snakewood is also fickle- splitting and cracking are common attributes that make it frustrating to cue makers. The butt section again exhibits contrasting eye elements of alternating color, framed framed inside large geometric shapes. All inlay material is pre-treaty ivory and finished by hand. All inlays are finished so that corners and points come to a razor-sharp edge, a time-consuming detail unobtainable by machines. The butt cap is solid ivory with the name “Hercek” engraved. The joint is also ivory and its configuration is a 5/16″ screw piloted construction. There are two shafts, neither of which were ever chalked.
Here’s what the experts think- they are limited to 500 characters!
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Dick AbbottAnother great artistic creation from Joel Hercek based on the work of a famous artist. Fine art and fine cues are two of my pleasures. I like the concept of integrating the two mediums. The razor sharp ivory inlays are a testament to Mr. Hercek’s ability for precision execution. The addition of snakewood to an ebony and ivory cue is an interesting touch that brings in a new perspective although I would have preferred it be something other than simple rectangles. Playing with one of Joel’s cues for the past ten years, I can attest to the fact of their unquestionable playability. Super cue that just misses monster status. |
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Fred AgnirI can see this cue as it sees me. The eyes are subtle and eerie at the same time. I’m a big fan of Picasso. If this cue wasn’t titled “Eyes of Picasso,” I would never have made the association. Although the cue is attractive and elegant, the inlaid shapes aren’t wowing me. Additionally, I’m feeling that the snakewood is more a nuisance to the overall color balance to the cue. This cue isn’t a monster for me. |
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Deno AndrewsI commissioned this cue from Joel with the only guideline being that it be ‘inspired’ by something Picasso. Hercek studied dozens of paintings, prints, and drawings to find his design theme- the almond-shaped eyes. The points are completely unique to any other inlaid point I have ever seen, and I love how he incorporated the alternating eyes. On the butt, the oddly-shaped geometric elements mirror Picasso’s audacity. When I saw the cue and what went into hand-finishing all those ivory pieces, it reinforced my (already high) respect for Joel’s integrity. Monster. |
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JimBoThe points of this cue are very unique; I love the overall design with the eyes, especially the use of negative space with the black eyes. You certainly get the feel that Pablo would approve of this work of art. I am not sure about the use of snakewood in the handle but somehow it seems to work when looking at the full cue. Of course Joel does all this over his full splice, again showing that the cue’s integrity means more then art alone. I’m not a fan of Picasso, but I am of this cue, Monster. |
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Jim StadumI have had my “eye” on this cue all morning. It is a very unique design that has been executed flawlessly. The overall layout is very symmetrical. Everything matches perfectly, rings, point design and butt sleeve design. That is the problem I am having with this cue and the theme. Everything is too uniform. I think Joel lacked the courage to be more abstract, something that Picasso was known for. I personally really like this cue, however it misses the Monster status for me due to the lack of surprise and impact that one would expect from Picasso. |
I think Jim hit this one perfectly. Although Joel is a fantastic cue builder, and this cue being no exception, I think it lacks the flash and unique style that Picasso brought to the works. I think that there could have been much more done in this cue by eliminating the alternating windows above and below the ivory handle. This area could have been the back drop for a shock and awe approach of Picasso inspired inlays. Not monster IMO but a very stunning cue nonetheless.
not a monster. fantastic cue, and close to a work of art. just not all the way there. it just doesn’t say “I am badass”. IMO, a monster cue does. Either way, great cue. 7/10 germ
Cannot get past the Picasso genre. Not my cup of tea. The craftsmanship is awesome which is always on par for Mr. Hercek. Monster status isn’t in the cards for this one IMO. (but I still love the craftsmanship)
I like the cue and its black and white approach, but it tends to be to subtle. It would have been much more I am if Joel had used inlays, with color depicting Picaso like art, but using Hercek’s own designs or ART. Similar not copied, or used colored scrim art versus just blank white ivory. I would have enjoyed seeing what Sandra Brady could have done using her scrimshaw ability along with Joel’s cue making talent. This particular Hercek is not a monster in my opinion. That said I would still like it in my collection, its still very classy.
When I saw a Picasso inspired cue I had to run it by my artists sons. They both liked it very much and thought it was spot on. When I suggested to one of them that it would maybe never be played with, he felt it was a shame, that despite being art it should fulfill it’s purpose. It’s being a cue and fulfilling that purpose is part of the art. I thought that response interesting. For his info, Deno have you or will you play with it?
As for me I like it very much even though I am not a fan of contemporary or abstract art. I particularly like the butt sleeve work. I can’t say what about it grabs me, but it does. I also like the windows that “mighty_smallfry” didn’t. Again I don’t know enough about composition to identify what I like about those windows, but I like them. Just like me with regards to art, I know nothing about why, but I know what I like when I see it.
I just think all the elements in this cue work well together and for me it is indeed a monster.
A very large thank you to Deno for commissioning this work of art – without real “patrons” such inspired creations would likely never be made. I applaud the abstract elements embraced in this cue’s execution and I too wish there were more. That said, the overall look of this cue is elegant in it’s simplicity – Joel’s homage to Picasso is spot on. Does it have the BIG wow factor that “everyone” seems to be looking for – perhaps not . . . BUT that does not take away from the totally unique design and remarkable execution. Does it leave me wanting more? Yes, it does – which is perhaps why others view this cue as less than the MONSTER it is . . . however, in this case “less IS more” . . . it would have been very easy to go “over the top” – Picasso certainly tried – knowing when to say “enough” is more difficult.
Steve,
I am happy your sons like the cue. I have only seen the art of one of your sons, which really impressed me. Knowing that he liked the cue made me happy. As for whether or not the cue will ever be used to hit balls, the answer is no. I am not at all against using a VERY expensive cue to play with. On the other hand, I like the idea of having a completely original, unused, example of functional art, from one of the best cue makers in history, in my collection. Most of the cues in my collection have been used at one point or another. From here on out, I am mainly collecting new works that I commission. That means that I will have fewer cues, but more challenging designs for the cue makers. Almost all the new cues that I have made will remain unused. There will be exceptions like a rare new Lambros 3-cushion cue coming my way soon, or cues with special tapers that I am involved in designing for playability. In general I agree with you…but there are certain cues that in my opinion transcend their utility and just belong staying perfect.
Wow, great comments so far on this cue. I think it’s important for me to write that when I commissioned this cue, I did not want a Picasso copy. Rather, I gave Joel the thought of being inspired by Picasso. I get the sense that a lot of responses here expected the cue to look like a Picasso. Joel found a very common thread found on Picasso paintings, drawings, linocuts, wood block prints, etc.- the almond eyes. Although Picasso is my favorite artist, it was a common thread that I never noticed, thus I was impressed.
I truly appreciate everybody’s comments and perspectives about this cue.
Deno
as i’ve communicated to both deno, and joel, this is my favorite hercek cue to date!
and as paul mentions, kudos to deno for commissioning this picasso inspriration!
major MONSTER!
This is a awakward cue for me, I love the idea, I know the cue is built to the highest possible standard, Deno is a friend who I would really like to know better, Mr.Hercek just didn’t capture enough Piccasso.
Because its a Piccasso Cue It should look “Piccassoish” enough so anyone familiar with his body of work would say “Wow that cue looks like a Piccasso”. This cue has very subtile tones of Piccasso.
I would be proud to own this cue for sure, I’m positive it plays good, but its not a monster to me. Sorry Deno
It is a real big cue for sure, if it was a bit more detailed(oe piccasso’ed) then I’d call it a monster. Its a very special cue and thank you very much for this site and Merry Christmas.
Eric
PS: Merry Christmas to all the cuezillians out there
Fatboy,
Thanks for your post. I would like to know you better too. I am sure that our paths will cross sooner rather than later. Regarding the cue, I appreciate everyone’s honesty; it’s what this web site is all about. If I were afraid of the truth I would have avoided posting one of my cues. What I like most about this site so far is the constructive criticism that is so eloquently written here, in a respectful manner. If this were a cue or cuemaker slam fest, it would ruin it. I am still in awe of this cue and it seems like everyone likes it. I am totally cool with it missing monster status based on the observations of my colleagues both on the panel and here in the comments section. If anything, this cue not making it to Monster status is a testament to the designation; the bar has been set high in my opinion. Happy holidays to you and to everyone else in the cuezilla community.
Best regards,
Deno
Happy holidays to all.
Four months have passed since CueZilla came online and it has been an enlightening experience to say the least. Having been involved with custom and collectible billiard instruments for 23 years, I’ve seen a lot and CueZilla has caused me to see some things from a different perspective and that’s a good thing.
It will be interesting to review the cues proposed to us in the upcoming year and read the reviews of my fellow “experts” and CueZilla contributors. Keep them coming, I’m up to the challenge.
If you haven’t already, be sure visit the new CueZilla forum, become a member and contribute your thoughts and ideas. Let us maintain the same level of decorum as we have here and I’m sure we will draw participants that have much to offer regarding our love and fascination of pool cues and billiard sports in general.
Dick
Deno,
I agree with you, if every cue is a monster, why have this site? The trick to making this site cool is the borderline cues. The Black Boar was a slam dunk as a 8pt Gus would be. Its the cues in the middle that you have to ponder and think about that make Cuezilla a cool site, I posted late on this cue, not because I didnt see it right away, I came to look at it a couple times before I made a post. Like I said before I take this site seriously, its fun but for sure. But it deserves alot of thought before comments are made. I hope everyone here takes it that seriously. I have one cue that is a good cue for this site-that I have good pics of. It’s my favorite cue but not a clear cut monster,
Merry Christmas,
Eric aka Fatboy and Fatboyy(on another site
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The simplified almond-shaped eyes that seem to be the central theme of this cue are not unique to Picasso by any means, and are extremely common in traditional African art that predates Picasso’s work by thousands of years. In fact, not surprisingly, Picasso’s first use of that iconic element began in what art scholars refer to as his “African Period”.
The next linear transition in Picasso’s work has been called “Cubism”, which Picasso pioneered and is most well known for. In fact, the essential Picasso that most people think of is his cubist work. Those who do not understand the cubism movement, however, might very well think that it mainly involves sharp corners and abstract angular elements, without regard to subject matter. They would be mistaken; within the seemingly abstract nature of a [cubism-period] Picasso piece there is a very structured and deliberate “method to the madness”. To simply create a few abstract angular elements and then repeat them [in a very symmetrical pattern] may seem to represent cubism… but it doesn’t.
I first met Joel Hercek almost exactly 14 years ago in Chicago; I had chosen to spend Christmas of 1995 with my friend Burton Spain – since we both knew it would be his last on this earth – and one day he took me over to Joel’s shop to introduce me to the fellow that would be taking up where he [Burton] left off. Burton was very fond of Joel, so I naturally felt an immediate kinship. I liked Joel then, and I like him now, and I very much respect his work – both for his strict adherence to the teachings of his mentor and for his own dedication to excellent workmanship. Within the realm of the style that he has chosen to pursue I don’t know of anyone who is better, and I suspect there are damn few (if any) that are his equal.
That said, I don’t personally think this cue has enough going for it to be a true monster. While the exact difficulty of inlaying sharp cornered elements into black ebony might be debated I am sure that Joel chose the cleanest and therefore the most difficult and tedious approach – that is, hand finishing the inside corners. That is commendable, as is his use of a spliced core piece and other high-end touches. And I have absolutely no doubt that Joel is completely capable of building a monster cue; I just don’t personally think this design quite meets that standard.
Thomas Wayne
(PS: to truly grasp the genius of Picasso one need only study the simple sketch “Femme – my favorite of all his work – noting that with four simple hand-drawn lines he can invoke a very detailed image entirely within the viewer’s mind. Of all his work I personally consider this piece to be his most masterful. [ http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n293/ThomasWayne_2006/Femme-Picasso.jpg ])
Almond eyes are certainly not unique to Picasso. As Mr. Wayne noted, the shape dates back to ancient times in African, Etruscan, Greek, and Egyptian art. Thanks to Thomas for his information on Picasso and the thoughtful critique of the cue. “Femme” is also one of my favorite Picasso drawings. I have tried to draw it, even trace the shapes, and the result isn’t even close to the perfection of Picasso. We have a lot of Picasso paintings here in Chicago at the Art Institute. I am a member there and go very often. I regularly listen to people talk about the Picasso paintings and how “sloppy” they think they are. If any of these people knew Picasso, they would know he was one of the most precise artists in history. Every line, shape, color, has a purpose, which isn’t always immediately noticed. GREAT COMMENTARY on this cue everyone, thanks!
Deno
Eric,
I would love to see your cue that you think would be good for this site. Can you send me pictures at cuezilla@gmail.com?
Thanks,
Deno
“Thanks to Thomas for his information on Picasso and the thoughtful critique of the cue.” – deno
admittedly i’m tired at the moment, but i don’t see a critique in thomas wayne’s post other than . . .
“I don’t personally think this cue has enough going for it to be a true monster”
“I just don’t personally think this design quite meets that standard.”
seems rather vague at best!?
i enjoy reading, and learning from, the perspective of cue makers.
maybe if thomas checks back, he could elaborate?
Jeff,
Personally, I think based on the description that Thomas was expecting to see a “Picasso” cue. I think that he believes that the butt design is trying to represent cubism, which it doesn’t. He has excellent observations about the construction and execution of the cue, which is the norm on Hercek cue. In my eyes (and your I think), this is one of the freshest designs on a cue; a truly original point and butt design. The points are like no other inlaid pattern I have ever seen; so is the butt design. Based on my commission, Joel nailed it in finding inspiration from Picasso, not copyable elements. I don’t think that Thomas is saying that it is a bad looking cue, rather, in his opinion (which I respectfully disagree with), the cue doesn’t quite make it.
The whole point of this site is to spark discussion and critique about custom cue sticks. Thomas Wayne is a highly respected cue maker who has produced an impressive body of work. Despite his not agreeing with us about this cue, I am really honored that he is offering his opinions here. If we all agreed about every cue, there would be only one cue maker and no need for CueZilla. If there is something I missed about this cue that makes it stand out, go for it! I know you love the cue like I do…which means you have good taste
Thanks for tellin’ it like you see it!
Deno
Thomas Wayne is very well written, I have been working on my writing skills for years and am improving, then I read what Mr. Wayne wrote and realize I still have a long way to go.
I see a very good future for this site as the comments are from knowlegable people and VERY insightful, thought out critiquing of the cues. I like this, There is a watch site like this where the top horologists talk about $10,000 to $500,000 watches. The price of the watches dosent set the tone of the board but it filters out the undeseriable stuff. Its by and for knowlegelable watch guys, not people learning the basic things about watches. I see that here-the comments are mostly from very knowlegable people. I enjoy intellegent discussion. Pardon my spelling-there is no hope there.
Have a nice Christmas.
Eric
Deno-I will look for thise pics tomarrow and email them, thx again
Not my style AT ALL but I can appreciate the work involved. Pass on the Monster status although Warhol may have voted otherwise.
deno,
yes, i very much appreciate the comments of cue makers such as thomas wayne, and paul drexler!
hope over time other cue makers come to participate, and the site continues to grow.
this can only expand interest in cues, and pool in general.
it’s also nice to see the addition of a forum, though the link could benefit from better visibility. : )
recognize the balancing act of critiquing without creating animosity, especially if more cue makers themselves become involved.
and after all we’re only giving our own beholding eyes opinion, based on what qualities we personally have decided constitutes “monster” status.
jim’s forum had a thread that never could never reach a general consensus on the definition of “monster cue”.
good aesthetic design should not be relative to the amount, or difficulty, of work involved, and is subjective.
also wouldn’t have much to do with the time period, other than the limits of existing equipment.
would expect the execution of the work to be excellent by the standards of the time period.
good cue construction, and playability is a different matter.
i admit to zero construction expertise, and playability is subjective.
commentary may benefit from a general outline of what qualities constitute “monster” status.
for me personally, it’s a lot easier to identify and articulate the reasons i don’t like a particular design, than it is to specify the reasons why i like a design.
on this particular cue, having “picasso” in the name, set rather lofty expectations.
that and joel being held in such high regard, lead to a high bar to hurdle for “monster” status.
but, again, it easily hurdled my “monster” status bar, with high marks in originality!
Jeff,
Good points. One of the goals of this site is to begin to identify common attributes that separate Monsters from Mortals. I think it will take about 50 cues before we begin to see quantifiable attributes. After 50 cues, I think we should all take a serious look at the cues and try to identify what makes a Monster over a Mortal.
Deno
Paul (PFD),
Thanks for your comments. Being the owner of several of your cues, I obviously value your opinion and eye for design. I think you hit the nail on the head with regard to your critique.
Deno
The key for me is “inspired by Picasso”. One definition of inspired is “to fill or affect with a specified feeling, thought, etc.”
Obviously I don’t know for sure, but would guess that a study of the body of Picasso’s work inspired in Joel a feeling or thought that he tranlated into this cue. To me, “inspired” doesn’t imply copying or attempting to out-Picasso Picasso. But, instead it means bringing an approach and execution that are felt after absorbing an influence.
I love this cue and think Joel created a monster that is his take on his thoughts and feelings inspired by Picasso’s work.
Scott
I don’t see Picasso in this cue. If Deno hadn’t shown it next to the book I would never have picked up on the eye reference.
Thomas is right, Picasso is not about symmetry. I think that it’s actually a conundrum to ask someone to do something that is Picasso inspired because to channel Picasso is almost the antithesis of what it means to be a cue maker, especially one as accurate as Joel Hercek is.
This cue is to rigid for me and it’s too predictable to be a monster. It’s pretty and has a certain charm but it doesn’t make me think of Picasso nor does it challenge me.
I will say that I personally find it very tough in design to work in someone else’s genre. Once in a while I have a client that wants something done in this or that style and I really struggle with it most of the time. Sometimes it can take me up to a year to come up with what I feel is the right design that I feel fulfills the spirit of the request.