Born in Santa Ana, California, Robert Held aspired to be an artist from an early age. His father, a sculptor, only lived six years of his son’s life, but passed on the talent and appreciation of art that gave Robert the beginnings of a quest to create beauty in form and color. In High School his paintings won him the “Ebell Award” for promising students. He studied painting at Whittier College until ceramics artist F. Carleton Ball crossed his path. To explore this new medium, Robert changed colleges, supporting himself through this time as the Art Director of the Los Angeles County Fair.

Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts at the University of Southern California, Robert was awarded the graduate assistantship. At this time, he won the prestigious “Glen Lukins Award” for new work in ceramics.

Robert uses techniques that date back as long ago as 2000 B.C. however, his 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 even interior designers. Our studio prides itself on providing its customers with a large selection of affordable hand-blown gift items, as well as Robert Held’s individual creations for the serious collector.