Sam Maloof: Woodworking Genius - Art in Progress

Excellent video on Sam Maloof. I met him in Berea KY in 1978 (where I was a woodworker at the college). He invited me to join him in a workshop he was putting on during his visit. We were taught hand cut dovetails and he produced one of his iconic rocking chairs. It was amazing watching him work. And his teaching style was excellent. Thank you for providing this video.

I’m a small time woodworker but I certainly understand his affection for wood. The smell of it. The feel of it. The look of it. His work is indeed a national treasure.

I grew up in Cucamonga, about 1/4 mile below Sam's house. His property had a lot of citrus trees around it...We (as kids) had thrown some of his lemons/oranges under cars as they went by for kicks. Later, he let us pick his olive trees and my mom cured them by the barrels! I'm sure my parents returned the favor by giving him canned jars. He took us through his wood shop one day...such a regular guy... man's man. My folks have some of his work which means I will too someday.... who knew? And then they built the 210 fwy and he had to move his house...and he did...along with a lot of his favorite trees. Honored to know him, I don't have metal working tools, just wood....I love wood.

One of his rockers went for $80,000 ,as a very experienced pilot told me once , if you love what you do you will never do a hard days work in your life , Mr Maloof is a very lucky man and we can all learn something from him besides making beautiful chairs and furniture

My pal wanted an Adirondack chair. I said that we must build two so we can sit by the morning fire and tell stories. We had a photograph to work from but we changed it a lot to suit our thoughts. The armrests became much wider so that coffee cups had more room. The profile of the seat became much more ergonomic with curves for lower back support. The angles of seat and back were carefully adjusted. He wanted heirloom quality so we settled on white oak there are 32 pieces in each chair. Each was cut, shaped and completely finished prior to assembly. All fasteners were bronze with bronze grommets. We spent many hours enjoying conversation while watching the sunrise.

Sam Maloof had an overwhelming passion for working with wood. He inspired many people with his exquisite furniture. God Bless him.

This man is a TRUE CARPENTER! THANK YOU SAM, FOR MAKING SUCH INDIVIDUALLY BEAUTIFUL FURNITURE, AND THANK YOU FOR TEACHING YOUR TWO GREAT EMPLOYEES YOUR WOODWORKING SKILLS.

Sam maloff Furniture is absolutely stunning. I'm glad that his work is well-recognized. As well as his house

Not only Sam is a life time woodworker, I've been at it since the 7th grade, worked in the furniture industry for 30 years, and at the age of 68 I not only build but repair furniture and hope to continue for many more years, I'm always telling people that I put smile on people faces when I fix a family heirloom for them. I average 85 hours a week and enjoy every minute.

Thanks for sharing this with us. What an inspiring guy.

Sam was such an inspiration. He has been a life long hero of mine! I was fortunate enough to go to their first home and met Sam an Frida. It will be lifelong memory🙏

What a lovely man! Wonderful ethics, dedicated to his craft and making the best items possible for every client! I wish I’d found him dirty or forty years ago. I adore wood but my assets are kindergarten, compared to his university doctorates!

His soul is as beautiful as his work.❤

A white T-shirt ...a pine box... A most satisfatory monument for any man

What a gentleman! Beautiful work sir!

It would never get any better than this. Outstanding man and crew

What a master, one can see what a lovely person he was. This is so inspiring.

Creating something with immense love truly makes forget self and at that moment you truly live.Amazing words and work.

I keep coming back to this. What an inspiration!

Loved watching this. When I lived in California, my house was 2 doors down from Sam Maloof’s daughter. Once I had learned about him I found out that Marylou was his daughter so I was asking questions about him. Marylou then took me over to meet Sam and see his house and shop (the older one). He was as nice then as he was in this video. And the furniture pieces there were amazing.