J Hortobagyi Cabinetry & Furniture Company Profile

onsider, if you will, a woodworking master. Do you envision an Eastern European man, soft spoken, sharp but never rude, contemplative, passionate about his craft, quiet, yet never assuming? If any of these descriptions come to mind, you have pictured someone with more than a passing resemblance to Janos Hortobagyi.

Old World Tradition Janos grew up in Hungary, but like many young boys, was always enamored of the American West. A grandfather in Hungary fed Janos' fantasies by giving him books about Native Americans and horsemen of the American West. Working with horses became a reality for Janos before he left Hungary, but the treatment of horses left much to be desired so he left that field to pursue sports medicine training. That too proved unfulfilling. Eventually, Janos Hotobagyi came to California, and although it bore little resemblance to the youthful fantasies of the glorious old West, it was lovely enough.

Janos' first woodworking efforts were "just fix-it type of things," he said. From the tiny grain of fix-it projects, grew a strong interest in the art and craft of woodworking and cabinetry.

Skilled Craftsman, Sensualist Touch
One look at the gorgeous images here and on Janos Hortobagyi's web page will tell you everything you need to know about his aesthetic vision. J Hortobagyi Cabinetry and Furniture creates custom pieces for clients by listening to their desires, choosing the best materials and working with the wood in a respectful way. "People want something in their home; I like to see how they live and what they do," said Janos about his creative process. He stresses that "the grain and the sensuality of the wood" inform how best to use a particular piece. Janos Hortobagyi says that his work is done so as to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.

From this process come remarkable results; evident not just in the visual beauty of the finish, but in the smooth elemental qualities and finely-wrought woodwork. These are results that "a blind person can appreciate," said Janos. His work invites experience; you want to reach out and touch the surfaces, live with the wood, test the smooth action of the drawers and doors.

Asked whether he likes his job, Janos replies simply "I love it." Simple. Beautiful.


---Genevieve Albers
Staff Writer
The Prime Buyer's Report