Chris Enright Fine Woodworking

I was drawn to making things with wood early on. My Dad always had a workbench with tools on a peg board and there was always some wood tucked into the corner of the garage. I had my own small bench next to his where I hammered together 2x4 airplanes and long skateboards. My interest in wood design simmered for years until a leap of faith into building my own benches and collecting some key tools finally lead to a much needed chest of drawers from a book by Norm Abram. I learned that woodworking is indeed work, good work, and the result is a lasting smile.

I have worked as an engineer and ecosystem scientist for 27 years. In my furniture, I draw on the forms and functions of things evolved by nature and those built by humans. It is a special respect for nature when natural materials are used to build pleasing, useful, and lasting things. The American River and the San Francisco Estuary are a special inspiration that I resolve in forms, inlays, and scroll work.

In my designs I draw clean simple lines that explore balance between strength and elegance, form and function, tradition and creative inspiration. Furniture is the geography of our living space. It can ease work and play, give utility and comfort, and engage the eyes and hands. I always encourage people to appreciate my furniture with their hands and I anticipate where hands will fall in each detail. Opening a well-made drawer should be a unique experience. When I consider my own furniture in this way, my shoulders drop, I exhale slowly, and I notice what’s in front of me. Supporting these moments requires careful attention to craftsmanship and detailing. I attend carefully to wood figure, color and chatoyance to encourage a unity among the parts.