About the artist;
Robert L. Chatman, a multi-talented, multi-media artist with the abilities of a genius and the skills of a master craftsman, a scholar of the universe that sees beauty in all things. He manipulates wood, stone, steel, and recycled items into objects of whimsy, beauty, and functionality. He also works with oils, air brush, charcoal, and pastels; from portraits to wall murals. Life has taught him well and he constantly strives for new knowledge to add to his impressive portfolio. Born in 1953 in Fort Hood, Texas of a soldier-jack of all trades, part cherokee father from North Carolina and a artist, designer, seamtress, part commanche mother from Texas. He lived his early years in NC. and Ga; moved to Houston, Tx in 1962 where he was greatly influenced by school art programs, the local art culture, parents, and the personna of Texas. In 1964 won Daughters of the American revolution nation wide art contest and had work exhibited in Washington, D.C. Same year had one man art show at Houston Museum of Art. Robert graduated in 1971 and joined the US Navy, became an engineman and began doing tattos on his fellow sailors. After leaving the service he learned to do custom body work and paint, which led to air brushing and glass engraving and etching while working as a heavy equipment mechanic at night and a framing contractor during the day. Worked under Jay Barbas, (an award winning interior designer from New York) during this time also. Moved to NC in 1985 where he started his own automotive repair shop and ran it untill 1994. In that year he went to work for a high end furniture company as a welder-fabricator in the maintance dept where he learned the furniture making process and designed his stlye of art rocking chairs and also decided to become a metal sculptor and wood carver. In 2004 lost job while recovering from crippling injury at work. Upon recovering he now is a heavy equipment mechanic, fabricater, and artist.
Most of his art is made to order but quite a few smaller pieces are kept in stock and some larger works are on display outdoors at his studio. His art covers the spectrum of materials and styles. But his favorite is western art in iron,wood, and leather. Other favorites include, but are not limited to; biker, fantasy, historical, nature, erotica, and religous art. He also feels art needs to be functional so it can be enjoyed with all the senses while serving a purpose, instead of just being looked at. Robert tries to put some art into everything he does.
Check out the gallery pages for examples of his unique, one of a kind items of art, furnishings, and accessories.
