Field Reports with Jeff Chikami
Jeff Chikami is talented.
Why else would we be featuring him? You know us better than to put up with some tacky schlub. A native of Los Angeles, Jeff is a talented woodworker, a born and raised skateboarder, and a fan of the outdoors. Having spent his life in Los Angeles, that last bit is a bit of a conundrum, isn’t it? Being a big fan of the outdoors whilst spending ones life in a major metropolitan city can make things difficult. Jeff’s been able to figure it out, though. But how? Well, if I told you that now, you wouldn’t have a reason to continue on reading, and if you didn’t continue on reading, you’d also miss out on the talk of puppies and patterns, and you don’t want to miss that, do you?
How did you begin in woodworking? Was there a skateboarding connection? Were you building boxes and ramps?
I took a few classes at Cerritos college woodworking program and that was that!
Has skating influenced your approach to woodworking at all?
Absolutely not… but it definitely influenced me becoming a woodworker.
What do you think you've gained from growing up in a big city?
Embracing chaos.
Considering the kind of work you do and your connection to the outdoors, what has been a challenge of growing up and living in a big city?
Embracing chaos. Getting out of the city and getting into nature can be tough at times but that’s on me.
Your woodworking is very design forward, very focused on pattern. Where does that leaning come from?
It was just a way of subtly organizing what was already there.
What centers and refocuses you? How do you decompress?
Still working on that. My lady and I just got a pup so that can go either way. Always love good old peace and quiet.
What inspires you?
Anyone or thing trying to create and progress their craft.
Where do you think you'd be if you weren't woodworking or skating? What would you be doing?
Well… little over a decade ago I was between a woodworking program or culinary school. So I guess some kind of chef. Im glad with my choice. I think that lifestyle and pace would have eaten me alive.
How do you describe your connection to the outdoors?
Humbling. It’s the best reminder this place doesn’t revolve around you.
Have you ever pressed your own deck and if so, why aren't you doing that all the time, selling them as art pieces for $500 each and making a fortune?
Absolutely not. But maybe I will in the future…
