11/14/08.  The bathroom is finally done. You can see it on the Tramp Art page.  It took 3 1/2 months of evenings and weekends for us to finish. Isn't it funny how these projects always get bigger than you planned for?

The other big project for me was a show called Reorder/Represent 2008. It was put together by Fred Jesser of Marietta College.

  I hope to have more information about the show and artists up soon.

6/7/08.  I have been very busy the past few months doing some big projects around our home that I hope to photograph soon.  We have been adding some small vegetable areas to our small lot and building rustic structures to support the vines.  I am also working on an office suite of furniture with heavy emphasis on antler, twig and tramp art elements.

2/25/08.  Check out the Contemporary page for three new items.

2/15/08.  I have just added several new images to the site.  I have been playing around with some classic designs in the twig and tramp art styles.  I like the tramp art form. It allows me to use salvaged materials in new ways.  I am working out some designs that combine the chip-carving and applied nature of Tramp Art with the twig and mosaic styles of rustic art and furniture.  It is an exciting new area for me. New items will be added soon.

Also, anyone who is interested in studying, building, or just enjoying rustic furniture and the rustic lifestyle should check out the Woodlander's Gathering Website listed in my links below. It is a great bunch of people.

12/18/07 I am finally getting around to redesigning this website.  I am very busy at the moment working on some new designs to upload in the near future. As Shelley and I continue to reevaluate our place and role in this world I will be making more changes.

Going forward my furniture will place more emphasis on using locally collected raw materials along with materials discarded by others.  Often materials that are not found locally come from another rustic minded person who does not want some unique item to end up in the waste stream.  I will continue to used earth-friendly finishes and try to keep the impact of my work on the environment low.

7/17/07  The opening at the Parkersburg Art Center was a success. Between the three artist's opening at the same time, we had a little over 200 people through the door.  A good time was had by all.  I plan to have some photos up soon.

Speaking of photos.  I am trying to learn to use my new digital camera and am having mixed results.  Please be patient with the crummy pictures until I get the hang of the camera and learn to take a decent picture for a change. 

6/30/07  In an effort to conserve fuel, energy and body function I have decided to cut way back on shows and travel.  I will still be accepting custom orders and will do a limited number of sales trips to garden centers and gift shops.  Lately I have been working on trying to acheive a balance between a more green, environmentally friendly business and lifestyle, and still being able to produce furniture to sell.  It is an intersesting journey and I will keep you posted.

One area that has been a big change for me is not using a chainsaw much.  I cut all but the largest wood with hand saws and pruners now.  I have found that the extra effort sawing is balanced against the fuel savings and not having to lug a heavy chainsaw and gas can through the woods.

If you would like to talk about about garden or indoor furniture for your home or store give me a call.  I can ship or deliver anywhere in the continental US.

Rob's work will be featured in a show at the Parkersburg Art Center, located in Parkersburg, WV. The show begins July 13th and run for several weeks. Details can be found at www.parkersburgartcenter.org.

Rob will be one of the instructors at the New York Woodlander's Gathering August 17-19.

Links

Woodlanders Gathering  If you want to get together with other people interested in the rustic lifestyle and learn about rustic furniture, this event is a must do.     I am going from West Virginia this year.  I am trying to round up some new people to maybe carpool up.  If you are between here and there and are thinking of going let me know.  The event is more than worth the money.  You will come away a happier rustic.                 

Member of Bim Willow's Rustic Furniture Makers List .

Rob's furniture is also sold at the following, and other, locations:

American Heritage Crafters  Online        

Reynold's Garden Shop, Manahawkin New Jersey

 

The Twisted Twig, Middleton, WI              

 

 Other Rustics:

Kim Vergil       

          

Dan Mack

Bonnie Gale

The Log Furniture Directory