Welcome to Kris McGrew
It is our pleasure to introduce Kris McGrew our newest maker. We’re excited to have him a part of our team. Kris is an accomplished chair maker, woodworker, and instructor and most importantly–a Veteran. Let’s get to know Kris a little bit…
Tell us a little of yourself…
My name is Kris McGrew, I'm 43 and live in Louisville, KY. I have been working in professional woodworking shops since I was 21. My father was a union trained millworker and taught me the basics of woodworking and anything else that required your hands and problem solving skills. I joined the USAF in May 2001 as an EOD technician. I finished my career after six years of service as a Security Forces member stationed at Nellis AFB.
When did you begin chairmaking?
I was introduced to chairmaking when visiting North Bennet St School and saw an amazing example of a Continuous Arm Chair completed by one of the students. I later found books by Thomas Moser and Mike Dunbar. Later, finding the gold that is Curtis Buchanan's Youtube channel. When I watched Curtis carved a seat with hand tools it was official. Chairmaking is my future.
What do you like best about chairmaking?
When building cabinets, the grain appearance is valued more than is strength. Splitting and riving green wood, learning about the inherent strengths and weaknesses of material itself is why I love chairmaking. It truly feels like you are working with a natural material in its best form. I truly feel that chairmaking, or a derivation of it, is absolutely the best introduction to how wood works.
Could you describe your style?
My style has been influenced by the traditional designs of the past but I am just as interested in how lines of a piece can only make the chair more visually interesting and lead the eye to every part of the chair. I am also heavily influenced by what I see on a daily basis. Automobiles, planes, other items where form follows function while creating a personality specific to that item. Always returning to how the strength of the wood can be displayed with the least amount of wood necessary for a strong chair design.
What motivates you on a day to day basis?
I am motivated by the looks on peoples faces when the properties of wood and how the chair is constructed are explained. That ah hah moment when the grain starts to make sense and isn't purely aesthetic. I was fortunate enough to run my own chair class in 2021 and have enjoyed teaching and sharing the knowledge I've received to other woodworkers who have hit stumbling blocks in their skill sets. I am motivated by being the best I can be given my limitations and shortcomings.
Why did you want to be a part of Chairs of Honor?
When I first found CoH I was intimidated by how well the organization checked all the boxes of what I feel is worthwhile in this stage of my career. I find it extremely difficult to do the outreach necessary while also turning a profit where the investment can be quite significant to have a working shop. Sharing stories about our service is one of the things that have helped me heal from transitioning to a civilian life after my service was over. Life is difficult enough dealing with mental health as well as operating a profitable business that is fulfilling after the bills are paid. Being a part of CoH is a way I can give back and be a part of something that could help other Veterans like myself.
I know you’re a Veteran, tell us a little about your service…Tell us your story…
I joined May 2001 as an EOD apprentice and after 9/11 felt the pressure to perform at a high level in an ever evolving and tragic event. I quickly found out that my personality, although motivated and proud to serve, did not fit the requirements of that mission. I was retrained to the Security Forces not by choice but by need of the Air Force after 9/11. I made the most of this career field and deployed to Iraq in 2003 as a MK19 gunner. Upon arriving I found myself searching vehicles and working Entry Control points until our equipment arrived. Events involving loss of life stayed with me until this day and am still healing from the experience. Upon my return I focused my efforts at becoming the NCOIC of a department that oversaw the maintenance and testing of Electronic Security Systems in the largest above ground weapon storage facility in the world at the time. I met many challenges, mostly success and some disappointment. Being my best, and pushing to learn more is what got me through so many difficult times.
Six years in the USAF took me around the world and gave me experiences that cannot be duplicated or simulated. Real life experience overcoming challenges, pushing myself beyond what I thought was possible, living within the Core Values of the Air Force. I would do it all over again and again. The most rewarding and challenging job I can imagine.
If someone asked you about joining the military, what would you tell them?
I have spoken recently to a high school student entering the Air Force and working a part time job at the Commissary on Ft Knox. He is going into the Security Forces like me. I encouraged him to experience as much as possible and try his best to work hard and find the rare opportunities within the career field to enjoy the ride. In a small way, this is how I’m inspiring the next generation of service members.
Take a look at Kris’s work and portfolio below. He is passionate about serving you as a Veteran. If you like to have Kris craft your Chair of Honor, submit an application here.
