Robert Bishop

Robert Bishop's art is an exploration in wood where he utilizes various domestic and exotic hardwoods to serve as his canvas. Bishop will often harvest or hand-select specific species of wood for a project. He finds wood that is highly figured or has an interesting grain pattern the most fascinating. To obtain a striking visual effect, Bishop will incorporate one or more secondary wood species or introduce a stone, metal, paper, or fabric component for a contrasting yet complimentary union of materials. Almost as important as the selection of wood species and design, Bishop pays special attention to the finishing process. Each piece will have multiple coats of either an oil-varnish or Tung oil mixture to accentuate the naturally occurring pattern within the wood. The end result is a functional piece of art that can be used for placement, containment, or concealment.

Bishop began designing, creating, and working in wood about three years ago mainly as a way to decompress from the stress of working in the business world. He holds a BFA in Communications-Graphics from Edinboro University however, his earlier concentration was in 2D graphics, design, drawing, and painting. Bishop never really put much effort into 3D art until he decided to learn woodworking.

Bishop's first creations in wood were unique and funky birdhouses and feeders. From there, he progressed into fine woodworking where keepsake boxes, bowls, and small tables with inlaid ceramic tiles became his focus. Currently on his shop-studio workbench is a lamp that he has designed and is building. This lamp will be a part of the exhibit, "Arbor Aid," in late October to benefit the Friends of the Pittsburgh Urban Forest.