Meet Andy Jack
And Finally Cutting the V Notch
Over the years, I’ve met and worked with lots of different chair makers, each with their own special take on the craft and array of skills. Andy Jack ranks at the top of my list of exceptional makers. Often, when I get an inquiry about a chair I can’t make for some reason, I send them to Andy.
Curtis and I met Andy in 2008 at a Furniture Society Conference in Purchase New York. He was graduating from the art program there and had made an extremely ambitious c arm rocking chair with two seats that pointed opposite directions and a mobius strip of a rocker. It was impressive to say the least, but certainly pointed to his adeptness in the shop as well as creative chops.
After that, Andy went and worked with Curtis for a spell and then stopped by my place on his way back to Connecticut. Andy and I went on to do some work and teach together. As Curtis will attest, Andy has the best sense of humor of any living chair maker. He’s a blast to have in the shop and I had looked forward to a life working with him whenever possible. Then he went and got himself married and had a slew (3) of kids. His life took the path of his responsibilities and while he has continued to produce chairs and teach, traveling to teach with me took a back seat to his family life. Well, the kids are growing more independent and Andy recently rented a gorgeous space near his home in Connecticut and will be teaching more classes than before.
I’m slowing down a bit in my teaching, about 7 classes a year and only one or two are the traditional chairs. I’m very excited that Andy will be teaching these as well as other parts of the greenwood tradition. I have been pestering Andy to come teach at my place for years, but alas, it makes more sense with his family needs to stay closer to home. I’m still going to try to get him here, but I’m thrilled more folks will have access to him. Check out his website here and his schedule here. You can also follow him on Instagram @andrewjackchairs.
