They Lead, They Shared, We Gained

photo courtesy of Taunton Press

Tonight, I’m sitting in the Studio next to a cup of coffee from our local coffee shop and a stack of woodworking books. I’m writing from the shop this evening because it’s really the best environment for crafting this post. As I look over the books I’ve collected over the years, I’m reminded of leadership and sharing.

This has been a tough summer for the woodworking community. We lost two of our most influential leaders within several months of each other. Sam Maloof, iconic designer and maker, passed away on May 21st at 93. Sam was known for his signature style and no-nonsense approach to the craft. He is most recognized for his rocking chair. This chair not only resides in the Smithsonian, but was also the chair of choice for both Jimmy Carter and Ronald Regan. He did a workshop at the school I attended, and left us with an example of his famous “Maloof joint.” That demo piece hung from the shop wall for all to see and everyday I would stare at it reminding myself of why I was there.

photo courtesy of jameskrenov.com

On September 9th, less than four months after Sam’s passing, we suffered the blow of losing James Krenov at the age of 89. Like Maloof, James Krenov had a definitive style of his own, personified by his ubiquitous cabinet on a stand. James headed up the Fine Furniture program at the College of the Redwoods and was known for taking his students beyond the “how” and into the “why” of woodworking. He was an evangelist for the introspective approach to the craft and the honest expression of self within the work. I remember after finishing “A Cabinetmaker’s Notebook” realizing this man just expressed everything about woodworking from an internal point of view that I was feeling. It was a turning point in the way I approached woodworking.

These two men had varying styles, techniques, and approaches to woodworking. What united them though, was the desire to share their precious gifts of knowledge and experience. Both are renowned as craftsmen, teachers, and thought leaders. Pioneers within the craft inspiring thousands of woodworkers through their greatest contribution – teaching. More accurately, the willful sharing of their passion. They were teachers and guides for all who were searching for greater fulfillment through the path of woodworking. Communicating and inspiring that passion in thousands of woodworkers throughout the decades is now part of their legacy.

I could wax eloquently about the individual contributions each man had on furniture making and on society, but I will spare you. I am simply here to say thank you to these two legends for their contribution to my passion and pursuit of this most noble art and craft, and to lead into a new avenue for me at the Studio. But I’ll have more on that Monday.

To learn more about the lives and contributions of these incredible men:

James Krenov: On the Record

Inside Passage School of Fine Woodworking

Rene Russo Visits Sam Maloof

Sam Maloof 1916-2009

Tagged as: Adam King Studio, Design, furniture, furniture making, James Krenov, passion, Sam Maloof, Woodworking