Robert Held

Born in Santa Ana, California, Robert Held aspired to be an artist from an early age. His father, a sculptor, only lived until Robert was six. Nonetheless, his father passed on the talent and appreciation of art that gave Robert the beginnings of a quest to create beauty in form and color. Although Robert started his studies in painting, he completed a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts at the University of Southern California, where he was awarded a graduate assistantship.

Upon graduating, Robert was offered a position as head of ceramics at a newly established college in Ontario. He accepted the position, becoming the youngest department head of Sheridan College’s Craft and Design program. In 1968, after a visit to the Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina, Robert discovered a new love: the art of glassblowing. At Sheridan, he launched Canada’s first college-level hot-glass program in 1969. This program has allowed many Canadian artists to become skilled in this medium while crowning Robert Held as the pioneer of art glass in Canada.

Eventually, Robert left academics and founded his own glass studio, Skookum Art Glass, in Calgary, AB, from 1978 until 1987. He then moved to Vancouver, BC, and enjoyed much success there at his studio, Robert Held Art Glass. In 2013, after 37 years in production glass, Robert decided to retire to pursue other art interests and to move to Vancouver Island with his partner, Irene. However, after one month of retirement, Robert decided to re-open his studio in Parksville, BC. In 2024, at the age of 81, after having blown glass for over 50 years, Robert retired a second time.

While Robert uses techniques that date as far back as 2000 B.C., his designs and collections range from classic to contemporary. Some works are inspired by the paintings of famous artists such as Monet and Klimt, while others take inspiration from photographers and interior designers.

Robert’s glass work has won many prestigious awards and can be found in many prominent collections. His goblets were selected to grace the table of the Governor General’s “Perfect Setting,” and a glass bowl, encasing 23-karat gold maple leaves and sparkling dichroic glass, now sits in His Majesty’s Royal Collection.