There is plenty of debate in the wood working industry about which individuals are considered the top wood workers that ever lived.
When it comes down to the question, there is no real standardized answer or ranking that can define who is better than whom.
There are so many great woodworkers in the world past and present.
The wood working industry has grown tremendously with the modernization of tools and technology.
The trade is saturated with innovative new wood workers.
When considering this emerging trend, one has to reflect on the past.
We have to show appreciation to the ones that paved the way to make the woodworking industry possible and a viable craft.
There is no specific order to the craftsmen that are mentioned in this article.
They're simply the most notable wood workers amongst industry professionals.
Additionally these notable artist have made an enormous contribution to the wood working craft.
James Krenov Krenov is respected by many for his dedication to convey into one's work simplicity, harmony and of course love of wood.
He wrote books scrutinizing grandiose and excessively sculpted pieces, surfaces, stains and he really wasn't a fan of unbalanced works.
He avoided labeling the creation of a piece as a "design,".
He preferred a more inclusive and artistic term "composing.
" Composing, explained by Krenov, is reacting to the wood, a continual re-evaluation and improvisation open to wherever the wood takes the composer.
It was like he was writing music when carving wood.
Jesus of Nazareth Jesus is one of the first noteworthy wood workers in history.
He was known as a carpenter and constructed yokes and ploughs.
Historians also believe that Jesus was the general carpenter and craftsman for the village he grew up in.
He was thought mostly by his "father" Joseph who was also the village woods man and carpenter.
Roy Underhill Roy Underhill has long been respected as a notable woodworker.
He is the host of the longest running "How-To" show on PBS called "The Woodwright's Shop".
He is the writer of many books pertaining to the craft and holds several prestigious positions in the world of wood working as a consultant.
Underhill is regarded highly among industry colleagues because of his use of non-electrical tools.
He is affectionately known as "St.
Roy.
" Lu Ban Revered by wood workers across the world, Lu Ban was a Chinese engineer and contractor who is credited with inventing the cloud ladder, wooden bird, and grappling hooks and rams.
There are other inventions that are associated with him such as wooden horse carriage and the coachman.
He is noted as a Patron of Saints in China and significant contributor to the art of Feng Shui.
Sam Maloof A furniture maker and well respected wood worker, Sam Maloof is credited as the premiere rocking chair maker.
Maloof became the first craftsman to receive a MacArthur fellowship.
Maloof's work is in the collections of several major American museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
In 1985 he was awarded a MacArthur "Genius" grant.