The Josswest Prize is to identify and reward the cuemaker who, in their opinion, has done the most with new technology and has applied it to extending the design possibilities of cue design.

Winner of the Best of Show "Silver Medal" at the 1999 Gallery Gala in New York City...the "Athena".

The Greek goddess of war was also worshipped as patroness of the arts and crafts, renowned for her skills as a spinner and weaver.  This paradoxical blend of the aggressive and the artistic is reflected in this cue which has been two years in the making.  Inspired in part by the features of an early nineteenth century cue from France, Athena is an eclectic mix of colors, patterns and materials.  An aggressive, almost brash range of colors greets the eye.  The strong diamond patterning of ebony and camateo in the handle contrasts with the curly patterning of amarath in the nose, and with the madrone burl in the butterfly patterns adorning the handle.  Inlays of abalone, mother-of-pearl and silver provide a rich enhancement.  The patterning at the base of the handle is a conventional diamond approach which is in stark contrast to the delicate, fern-like silver inlay which appears to meander in almost whimsical fashion from the tips of the points, up and around the handle.

For a more detailed look at the "Athena" go to the Gallery Cues section.

(click on picture to see full size)

My effort was to start in the nose area and have a long, thin point inlay that would move the eye to the first of the ring designs.  Then pick up on the other side of the wrap area with additional rings and inlays that would draw the eye but not captivate it.   This was all accomplished by using one material for inlay and one ‘field’ wood, limiting the colors involved.

The wood I choose was Cacique (Ka-see-kay), a South American rosewood species that is a favorite of mine because of its stability and consistent manner of transmitting shock waves.  I have always been enamoured with the beautiful hues of the various rosewoods, but usually lean to the more active grain configurations of Brazilian, Madagascar or Coco Bolo.  In this case I felt Cacique, with its shrimp coloring and inactive grain pattern was a better route.  The "Chantilly" was born.

This cue has appeared on the TV show "Collectibles" and inspired one more "Chantilly" creation.  The "Chantilly Gold" is the last of this very limited edition and I consider it to be the most beautiful cue I’ve ever made.   The "Chantilly Gold" was premiered at the World Nine Ball Championships, Chicago, October 1997 and was shown at the Gallery of American Cue Art, New York, January 1998.

The "Chantilly" is from the collection of Richard C. Helmstetter, cue builder, cue collector and most importantly - cue aficionado.