Thanks for the great comments!

I understand your point about Maloof being a great “mechanic”. You’re right that he has perfected his techniques and methods for creating his rockers and chairs. In his body of work, the chair and table designs are definitely the signature works – and I agree that it would be rare to see any Maloof casework being copied. I will take a look at Wegner to see what he is all about.

However, from my perspective, Maloof has defined a unique style of woodworking – the hard and soft lines of his chair designs are very distinctive and to me are most unique. Maloof’s style seems to be a blend of various things: Asian, Scandinavian, Art’s & Crafts, etc. I think that this blend, in itself is unique.

Having said all of that, I think what I admire most about Maloof is what he has done, and continues to do for the craft of woodworking. He is truly an ambassador for the craft.

Thanks again for the comments. It’s always great to hear your perspectives. I think I will be doing some more posts like this one on other designers – I’d love to hear from you on those as well!

–Mark

I’ll leave theses thoughts here, first time expressed openly with pleasure……..

I’m a fan of Maloof, respect immensely all he’s been able to do in the craft, but view him more as our “Greatest Woodworking Mechanic”. Just think of what he’s done, his genius is that he has taken a rocking chair, analyzed its parts and over time found the most efficient (cost effective)way to manufacture a rational, aesthetically pleasing product. His approach is so efficient, that it allows many people to copy it.

If you were to look at the work of Hans Wegner and compare Maloof and Wegner (both of the same time period), Sam would be the “mechanic” and Hans would be the “designer”. Compare their bodies of work and the separation will be evident as to who is the designer and who is the builder. Maloof is by definition a builder who got his que’s from the Scandinavian answer to the Bauhaus.

As woodworker’s; it’s rare we see a Maloof designed Buffet being copied by someone, only his Rocker.

In a true custom cabinet manufacturing facility, the most highly skilled individual preferrs to be called a “mechanic”, not a cabinetmaker. The term mechanic defines him as the most skilled individual at applying the use of tools.

The “form”, “the function”, “the machine”, “the soul”, the words used to create a bit of mystery and thought around the object.

Neil Lamens…………my thoughts 11/13/07