Rock-Goodbye-Baby...

One of the finest craftsman in history
recently passed away.


Sam Maloof was born in Chino, California in 1916,
and went on to become one of the founding fathers of the
American Arts and Crafts movement.

A woodworker,
He was most famous for his rockers,
(all of which fit so perfectly together
they require no nails or metal fastenings)


and has many fans, most notably
Presidents Carter, Reagan and Clinton.
(and me.)

He also crafted an incredible residence,

that is open for docent-led tours in Alta Loma,


by HAND.

This incredible Californian
was awarded the MacArthur Foundation fellowship “genius grant,”
making him the first craftsman to ever receive the honor.
*My favorite piece, his Double Rocker

His work was featured in a 2001 retrospective
aat the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery,
and his work is included in the permanent collections
at the Met, LACMA, Boston, Philadelphia and the Smithsonian,
among others,
not to mention is a permanent fixture in the White House.

I wonder if Barack knows he's reading the girls' their bedtime stories
in the most perfect rocking chair ever created.

Somehow, I have a feeling, he's bright enough to be able to feel a difference.

xx