About the Artist

David Donnelly's love of woodworking began over 20 years ago when he was remodeling an old house, and decided to turn his attention to furniture because it was easier to take with him.

Since then, his furniture and chairs have won Blue Ribbons and Best of Show at the Western Idaho State Fair, and has been featured in galleries, and both national and international woodworking magazines. Whether we consider these chairs as functional art or artistic craft is an ongoing debate.

While working as a videographer on Fine Woodworking Magazine's video profile of Sam Maloof, Dave was able to spend a couple of weeks in Sam's shop, talking to Sam and hearing his philosophy on furniture, and studying his techniques and procedures for making his world-renowned rocking chairs.

Dave has also written articles for several woodworking magazines, including Wood, American Woodworker, Woodwork, Workbench, and Woodworking International. He writes on woodworking projects and techniques, furniture history, and profiles of prominent woodworkers. One article,
Is it Art of Is It Craft, is reprinted here.

Most recently, David has been teaching woodworking classes to eager students. Below is a picture of a recent Morris Rocking Chair Class. (Dave is third from the right.)