Accent Art Glass Presents: About the Artist
Robert Held is a well-known and respected member of the arts community.
He began his career by instituting the first ceramics department at
the Sheridan College of Design, after graduating from the University of
Southern California with a Masters Degree in Fine Arts. Not long after this,
in 1968, Robert attended the Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina,
where he became captivated with the art of glass blowing. Robert Held
became a leader of the Art Glass movement pursuing this interest, and
subsequently teaching hot glass techniques at the college level. Robert
Held glass sculptures are found in major collections such as Roland Mitchener
and the Indusman collections. His glass goblets were chosen for the
"Perfect Setting" competition which now graces the Governor General's table.
Today, over twenty years later, Robert works out of his studio, "Robert Held
Art Glass" where he continues the creation and production of fine art glass.
Glassblowing allows me to explore both painterly concerns and my fascination
with surface decoration, while continuing to challenge the other physical and
creative skills required to take the vessel shape in ever new directions.
I strive to create pieces that provide both a tactile and visual pleasure. It is
through this experience that I can share my passion for glass with the world.
- Robert Held