Classic American Chairs

A Contemporary Rocker

thechairguy — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:33:35 +0000

San Diego woodworker Del Cover designed and builds this rocker. One of the most unusual I’ve seen, but then Del’s work is always creative and challenging the conventional – in a class by itself.

Conoid Chair

thechairguy — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 05:25:38 +0000

A Nakashima Conoid chair made from Bubinga, recently produced by Tassajara Designs.

Conoid Chair

Classic American Chairs … or Not?

thechairguy — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 04:14:58 +0000

OK, it should be clear these are Classic American Chairs: Appalachian Ladderback, Windsor, Shaker, Stickley, Federal, Eastlake and American variations of such European classics as Queen Anne. The list would arguably also include any number of contemporary designs by Maloof, Nakashima, etc. (who could argue they haven’t become a genre of their own?). But there’s also many designs developed by American designers, are widely seen in this country, but draw their inspiration from other sources. One which comes to mind is the Eames Lunge Chair, clearly influenced by the Danish Modern movement.

Is it American? Exactly what does that mean? American designer? Or widely adopted/used in America but perhaps designed by an International designer? For instance Carl Hansen & Son?

Is it Classic? What is Classic? Is it defined by longevity? Or by popularity. How about the notoriety of the designer? One definition of classic from Wikipedia:

“The word classic means something that is a perfect example of a particular style, something of lasting worth or with a timeless quality”

So, the line is fuzzy.

Blogging At Last

thechairguy — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:58:58 +0000

I’ve had this idea bouncing around in my head for a couple years. Finally got motivated, got off my duff and started the Classic American Chairs blog. I know, it’s a little rough around the edges, needs work and refinement, and it will never really be done. Like building a new chair, it’s a work in progress.

What I hope to do is build a community of artisan/craftsmen/chair makers who are passionate about their craft. Kinda like me. We explore, share, learn from each other. And we open up many more possibilities for the general public to find us – admire our work, and (for those so inclined) sell the result of our passionate labor. After all, there’s plenty of mass-produced junk out “there”. Nobody needs to find out about that – its all around. But a finely crafted chair, made with meticulous attention to detail and materials as only a someone passionate about their craft can do – just how do people find out about that?

For some of us, pride in our work and peer recognition alone will suffice. For others, there is an additional financial component – we need to run a profitable business, and for that we seek clients. In either case, through the community brought together by this blog I believe we can achieve the ultimate goal, which is to keep the art form and craft of Classic American Chairs alive and thriving.

Craftsman or Artist?

thechairguy — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:20:30 +0000

Serious woodworkers must ask themselves this question from time to time: “Am I an artist or a craftsman?” I know I do. And I’m certain, at one time or another, others must have asked you this as well.

A friend of mine, a very accomplished woodworker, was recently asked the same question. His answer – “a craftsman”. He went on to explain that he used to answer “an artist”, but found that the lady he was talking to at a particular moment when the question came up inevitably found a reason to excuse herself and begin a conversation with someone more “eligible”. Thus leading to the obvious conclusion that being associated with an “artist” was certain to lead to a compromise of her values.

My wife recently found this quote which I think works quite nicely:

He who works with his hands is a laborer,
he who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman,
he who works with his hands, his head and his heart is an artist.

– Francis of Assisi

Couldn’t have said it any better myself. And I think I know the answer, at least as it applies to me.