The Russian Gnome Speaks!!!

[Dave Fleming]

Interview with James Krenov in latest Fine Woodworking # 162, Page 86.

If ya interested that is.

[ 02-21-2003, 08:55 PM: Message edited by: Dave Fleming ]

[Simon Harwar]

Thanks Dave, I have always been impressed with his work even if it is not boats.
Is it true he started his woodworking career in Seattle, Washington State, USA, in a place building boats?

[Mrleft8]

It's actually quite a good interview. I think Mr. Burkin didn't read up on his subject enough to know what questions to ask, but all in all it's a good read.
As far as Seattle is concerned.... Welllll. Kinda sorta. According to Krenov, he actually started in Alaska, then moved to Seattle where he got his first "job".He worked on boats before he went to Malmsten's studio in Sweden to apprentice.
Best way to find out for sure though.... Is to ask him yourself. If he's in a good mood, he'll talk your ear off. If he's in a grumpy mood, you might get a sideways look and a grunt....

[Dave Fleming]

Mrxxxxx, according to my faulty memory, he paid a visit to us when we were living in West Seattle. He was giving a weekend lecture at the Univ of Washington, School of Architecture.
According to Krenov, he and his mother lived over bye Alki Point in West Seattle. Before he left for Europe, Krenov related that he had worked at Jensen Marine over bye the Univ..
As I recall he was there but a short time but again as I recall, he made mention of how the curves of boats made a big impression on his view of wood working. Krenov kept my/our three sons in thrall spinning yarns sitting on a blanket under the apple tree in our back yard .

[Mrleft8]

Yup Dave, I think that's the place...
And if you look at some of his earlier pieces, you can see the "boat" influence. That curved front cabt. he did in Ash, and again in Spruce(?) with the slab sides that are also the "legs" which are curved in both length, and width sure says "boat builder" to me...