Today's Chronicle covers two of California's most famous woodworkers and furniture makers, Sam Maloof and James Krenov. Hailing from a time before big box stores, when furniture was hand-crafted and made to last, these two living legends continue to create some of the most beautiful furniture we've ever seen.
We would give our left arm to own one of Maloof's rocking chairs, or Krenov's cabinets. These two are the real deal, and we're happy to see them being exposed to a wider audience.
• Click on the links to read Nancy Davis Kho's articles on Maloof and Krenov.
Image: Stan Lim / The Press-Enterprise
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"Hailing from a time before big box stores"--you think either of these craftsmen predate retail? Before Sears or Penney's? Honestly, Maloof's never been the neighborhood furniture maker, he's always balanced between art and craft. American factory made furniture--be it Grand Rapids or North Carolina--was very sturdy and well made. There's a huge difference between what those companies made and what Maloof and Krenov achieved.
The history of American craftsmen is very interesting--perhaps AT might think about getting some bloggers with a sense of history.
Sam Maloof is amazing!!!! Thank you for highlighting his work. Being around his home/studio - or even one of his pieces of furniture - is an incredible opportunity. The beauty is extreme.
To this list I would humbly submit to add my father, David Moneymaker, last living member of Moneymaker and Sons Cabinet Shop. He learned cabinet making from a master worker, his father, and quickly outpaced him. Dad's work is elegant, simple, mostly practical. The beauty is in the choice of wood and finish, the seamless joining of pieces.
And I didn't mention, he began his work when he was 5 years old? I proudly own pieces he made for his mother that are 77 years old.
It's bittersweet that the craft will end with him.
P.S. I once...*once*... took my father to Ikea. His jaw was dropped and his head shaking the whole time. He couldn't get out of there fast enough. Under his breath he kept repeating, "Junk... junk... junk..!"
My smart, gifted, loving, unstoppable father.