Robert T. Hawkins
Robert T. Hawkins
Email: rthawkins67@gmail.com Phone: 832-244-1904 Instagram: handcrafted_by_r.t.hawkins |
Robert grew up in Golden, Colorado. Recently retired, Robert was blessed to teach Special & Regular Education with mostly 4th & 5th grade students for 28 years starting in St. Mary's, Alaska and ending in 2021 in Magnolia, Texas. He now lives near Onalaska, Texas with his wonderful wife of 25+ years and their adopted kitties.
In 1998 Robert was given his Great Grandfather's scroll saw from the 1920's and slowly taught himself to make small personalized rewards for his students for hard work and kindness to others. Gradually, as he became more adept he began to sell ornate crosses and a few jewelry boxes at a gallery in Old Town Spring, Texas. Since 2010, Robert has been creating unique contemporary furniture usually juxtaposed with Victorian accents. Robert essentially taught himself woodworking using as many books as he could find. Much like his students, he found that he learned the most by simply doing the work, making mistakes, and striving to always improve. Books, videos, and even YouTube are replete with instructional guides that elucidate construction techniques and the proper use of machines so that one can copy the masterpieces of previous artisans. Although Robert strives to demonstrate his technical skills, what he is really focused on is excellence in design, not copying others. Unfortunately, this is rarely covered in traditional woodworking instruction. |
While trying to always incorporate excellent construction techniques, Robert has pushed himself to ensure each piece displays proportion, a balance of form and function, appropriate levels of ornamentation, and the use of colors, textures, and materials to enhance the overall impression of the piece. He attempts to keep each of these in balance yet often incorporates an unexpected element such as a hidden drawer or flowing carvings on shelves and tops.
Robert never uses CNC automation, lasers or other devices that detract from the handcrafted nature of his work. Although a laser could replicate some of his carving, every edge would be solid black where the wood has been burned away. Similarly, he never uses synthetic stains. Robert chooses each board carefully so that nature's color, figure and chatoyance (light reflection) complement the piece without the need for unnatural colors. Similarly, he never uses sprayed on, "plastic" finishes. Robert often spends hours sanding the top repeatedly until it glows from within yet is as touchable as an old leather jacket.
In so doing, he endeavors to create pieces that transcend their functional purpose and become a piece of art worthy of such a distinction. Robert is humbled to be able to display his work at DaVinci's gallery, knowing that showing his work near such talented artists will only propel him to create ever more unique and delightful creations.
Robert never uses CNC automation, lasers or other devices that detract from the handcrafted nature of his work. Although a laser could replicate some of his carving, every edge would be solid black where the wood has been burned away. Similarly, he never uses synthetic stains. Robert chooses each board carefully so that nature's color, figure and chatoyance (light reflection) complement the piece without the need for unnatural colors. Similarly, he never uses sprayed on, "plastic" finishes. Robert often spends hours sanding the top repeatedly until it glows from within yet is as touchable as an old leather jacket.
In so doing, he endeavors to create pieces that transcend their functional purpose and become a piece of art worthy of such a distinction. Robert is humbled to be able to display his work at DaVinci's gallery, knowing that showing his work near such talented artists will only propel him to create ever more unique and delightful creations.
