James Krise

In 2018, I made the leap from the corporate world to pursue something I had always loved: working with my hands. I signed up for my first woodworking class at Cerritos College and was hooked from the start. There, I learned the fundamentals of cabinetmaking and fine woodworking, and, just as importantly, became part of a tight-knit community of woodworkers. What began as a leap into something new eventually became a career.

For the past five years, I’ve worked as a fabricator and carpenter in Los Angeles, primarily building retail displays. I’ve also had the opportunity to teach young girls how to use power tools, which has been a rewarding way to share the skills and confidence that come from working with your hands.
I still consider myself a Chicagoan at heart, though after more than a decade here, I’ve fallen in love with California’s natural history and landscape and am slowly becoming a Californian.
I came to The Krenov School to continue developing my skills and deepen my understanding of the craft. I feel incredibly lucky to be here and to become part of the long lineage of woodworkers who have sat at these benches before me. I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend this time learning, making, and challenging myself to become a better woodworker.