It’s a spalted elm rocker that the late great Sam Maloof would have been proud of.

It’s the creation of Paul Hartman from Alberta, and one of the finest rocking chairs that any of our professional course students has ever made.

What makes it special is that Paul has taken the simple geometry of a standard rocker and made it entirely his own.

The back slats, which also incorporate beech, have been woven into a complex pattern that is both functional and artistic.

The flowing weave of the seat’s back, laminated on a former, is a symphony of invention.

However, balancing its artistry, is the simple honesty of any well-designed rocking chair.

Paul admits to being inspired by Sam Maloof, the legendary woodworker.

There are Maloof rockers are in national collections, and have been owned by US presidents.

He came to us with both woodworking and construction experience, having earned a national Red Seal carpentry qualification, and that experience shines through.

He intends to return to Alberta after graduation and combine his home building experience with a parallel new career in furniture design.