The Loss of a Woodworking Icon – Sam Maloof
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The Woodworking world and in fact the entire world lost an icon this week. Sam Maloof, whose simple, elegant wooden furniture, which he designed and made by hand, made him a central figure in the postwar American crafts movement, died at his home in Alta Loma, Calif., on Thursday. He was 93.
Sam Maloof was a self taught woodworker, who is known for his distinctive rockers. The rockers featured gentle curved forms that resembled antelope horns. His 
rockers are featured in some of the most renowned collections around the world, including the White House.
Despite all of the fame that was bestowed upon Maloof, he remained true to style of woodworking. His work was all hand made, there were no nails or other metal fasteners used. Maloof, believed in quality joinery, his work was finished by repeated sanding and polishing. Maloof, didn’t work from a defined set of plans, but let the projects evolve as he worked them.
As a testament to value of Maloof’s work, one of his rockers sold last year for $51,000.00 at auction. When he spoke of his work, he explained that he wanted his work to be used and enjoyed; his chairs were meant to be sat in, not put upon display.
As the world mourns the loss of Sam Maloof, I want to take the time to thank Sam Maloof for his dedication to his craft, and the enjoyment that his work brought to us all.
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