Robert Held
Robert Held aspired to be an artist from an early age. While pursuing a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts at the University of Southern California, Robert was awarded the graduate assistantship. Upon graduating, he was offered the position of Head Ceramics at the new Sheridan College in Ontario. After discovering his love for glass blowing, he returned to Sheridan and launched Canada’s first college-level hot glass program in 1969. This program allowed many North American artists to become skilled in the medium and established Robert as the pioneer of art glass in Canada. In 1987, Robert Held Art Glass was born after he and his wife decided to move to Vancouver and experience the lifestyle that the West Coast had to offer. The company has since grown to become Canada's largest hot glass studio and the line is carried in major museum collections, large retailers and galleries of all sizes.
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.
