About Robert
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About Robert |
ROBERT
B. JONES, Glass Artist & Designer
Robert Jones, originally from Buffalo, NY, is a third-generation glass blower. Moving to Seattle in 1981, he became immersed in the growing glass-art industry here. He has been trained at the Pilchuck Glass School and Pratt Fine Arts Center, as well as serving as an apprentice at The Glass Eye and working with local artists, including Dale Chihuly and Lino Tagliapietra, among others. Robert comes from a background in the traditional trades, infusing his art with the functional sensibilities and precision of a craftsman. In his 20 years as a glass artist, Robert has moved from creating eclectic and original objects of art to his current passion and vocation, creating architectural products using the materials and techniques of glass blowing. He also was the founder of Blockhead Tools, which was established to refine and improve the making of glass-blowing tools. Robert’s business has gone national over the last two years, with over 80 showrooms coast-to-coast featuring his sink and lighting designs. He has designed and now offers 36 varieties of hand-blown sinks, as well as accessories. Always the entrepreneur and innovator, he is constantly striving to find new ways to bring art glass into the world of modern design. |
Experience:
1997-present: Robert
Jones Design, Seattle,WA
Designed, fabricated, and currently operating glassblowing facility within Jones
Brothers Glassworks. Company produces high quality hand-blown and fused glasswork,
ranging from ornate traditional forms to functional and decorative contemporary
work, as well as more progressive designs which incorporate flat glass, metal,
and other media.
1996-1997: Jones
Brothers Glassworks, Seattle, WA
Established company with brothers Larry and Ronald Jones, specializing in architectural
designs using fused and slumped glass. Emphasis on glass sinks, tables, counters,
tiles, bowls, vases, glass tablecloths, and unique custom pieces.
1989-1997: Blockhead
Tools, Seattle, WA
Founded company manufacturing high quality wooden glassblowing tools used in
studios and fine arts schools throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan.
Named best glass-blowing tool resource by Kent State University’s Henry
Halem in his book, "Glass Notes." Sold to new management.
1993-1996: Blue Marble Glass,
Seattle, WA
Established operation focused primarily on production of functional glass forms
and designs.
1986-1994: Freelance
Glassblowing, Seattle, WA, and Sun Valley, ID
Worked as assistant and gaffer to a variety of glass artists such as Lino Tagliapietra,
Dale Chihuly, Dante Marioni, Joseph DeCamp, Preston Singletary, Phil O’Reily,
Martin Blank, and Cliff Goodman.
1986-1990: Pratt
Fine Arts Center, Seattle, WA
Served as a glass furnace charger, provided technical assistance to students,
and worked as teacher’s assistant in various workshops led by Sonya Blomdahl,
Rich Royal, and Therman Statom. Exhibited independent glass work at Pratt’s
annual shows. Led glassblowing session in support of PONCHO (commissioned
by
Dick Knapp of Beattie & Knapp Realtors). Was a member of the Glass Advisory
Board.
1986-1987: Pilchuck
Glass School, Stanwood, WA
Studied under Jim Harmon and Willy Dexter at international instructional center
for the arts. Worked as assistant on Martin Blank’s team for Dale Chihuly.
1984-1986: The
Glass Eye, Seattle, WA
Initially prepared glass and color, charged furnaces, and maintained equipment.
Later promoted to glassblowing. Awarded Glass Eye Scholarship in 1992.
Education:
1989 Pratt Fine Arts Center, Seattle,
WA
Glass courses and workshops; Sonja Blomdahl, Rich Royal, instructors.
Sandcasting and mold techniques; Bob Carlton, instructor.
Welding and fabrication; Peter Reinquelin, instructor.
1987 Pilchuck Glass School, Stanwood, WA; Willy Dexter and Jim Harmon, instructors.
1983-1985 North Seattle Community College, Seattle WA: Liberal Arts.
1984 University of Washington Experimental College, Seattle WA: Drawing.
1974-1981 McKindley and Burgard trade programs, Buffalo NY: carpentry, sheet metal, aviation, automotive.
Exhibitions & Galleries
Corporate Collections
Dain Bosworth, Seattle, WA
Seafirst Bank, Seattle, WA
Townsend, Khourie and Crew, Seattle, WA
Washington Mutual Center, Seattle, WA
Kemper Securities Inc., Seattle, WA
Sedwick James, Seattle, WA
Neiman Marcus; sixty U.S. locations
Little and Company, Midland, TX
Westin Hotel, Beijing, China
Donations
Pratt Fine Arts Center, 1987-1999; Boys and Girls Club, 1996-1998; B.F. Day School, 1996-1998; Dain Bosworth, 1994; Seattle Children’s Home, 1989-1992.