As a teenager, Robert became an avid bird- watcher and volunteer "bird-bander", assisting in the study of migration patterns. He also became actively involved as a volunteer in rehabilitation programs for injured birds of prey. With this background, it is no surprise that his early ventures into the carving of birds from wood brought rave reviews and abundant awards in both the United States and Canada, winning 1 st Place awards at the Ward Foundation World Wild Fowl Carving Competition, The Canadian National Exhibition, and the Best of Show both at the Great Lakes and Crane Creek Competitions.

Robert attributes his growth artistically during those early years to working for many summers with world class bird artist and carver Larry Barth in his studio in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania.

In 1998, Robert met another world class artist, Walt Horton of Vail, Colorado. Walt was just what Robert needed to help him make the transition from wood to bronze. As a coach and instructor, critic and mentor, Walts encouragement has been priceless. Says Robert, "My dream is to do with birds what Walt has done with children and animals. ..make them alive action. ..allow the piece to tell a story. .."The "Red Tail Hawk" is intense; the just completed "Falcon" is equally as powerful. In it the artist has created his "dream"...it lives. The captured motion and emotion resonate from this static but majestic form.

But, dont think for a moment that this artist only knows birds of prey. His decades of study of birds of all kinds in their natural habitat has taught him that there is humor; elegance and even romance to be found in his subjects.

His "Fishing Hat" has just become the temporary home for four baby ducks exploring the outside world for the first time. With behinds in the air and a stray dragonfly challenging for squatters rights, this tabletop creation offers 360 degrees of joy to the viewer. His newest "flat piecel1 depicts a pair of swans languishing on a pond, enjoying a pleasant cruise and each others company.

In Roberts words, "What I see and feel and experience on this planet is exciting and captivating. It is also a never-ending learning process. I hope when people see my work that they see the beauty and feel the excitement...and share with me my love for life and my love for these created things."