About the Artist
1. DESCRIPTION OF PRESENT WORK.
I turned highly figured bowls with intricate inlay. Precious and semi-precious
metals are used as well as prehistoric materials found in Alaska. Each piece is
finished with a formula I developed that seals and protects the integrity of the
inlay. This finish also protects and enhances the three dimensional properties
of the wood. I also do Custom knives out of damascus or 440 steel. My handles are
truly unique. They are beautiful yet meant to be used.  I also make a line of jewelry
using laminated and inlaid woods incorporating the same techniques I use for
my bowls and knives. I have also recently introduced silver jewelry.

2. DESCRIPTION OF PAST WORK.
Cabinets, furniture, boxes, clocks, scrimshaw, carving and jewelry design
(including silver casting).

3. PROJECTION OF FUTURE WORK.
My desire is to create larger, more intricate pieces including furniture, using
my combined skills of design, inlay, carving, metal work and finishing
techniques. I envision-creating works that will one day (hopefully in my
lifetime) be recognized as some of the best in the world.

4. WHO OR WHAT HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR WORK?
God. He has given me the intense desire to leave something truly beautiful and
something of value to mankind long after I’m gone.

5. AWARDS OR COMMISSIONS.
Best of Show Tri-Cities, Wa.
Holidays at the White House Washington D.C.
People’s Choice Award Anchorage Fur Rendezvous Anchorage, Alaska
5 time winner People's Choice Award Box and Container competition Northwest Gallery
of Fine Woodworking Seattle, Wa.

6. MAJOR EXHIBITS
Selected Works, del Mano Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
Collectors of Wood Art Forum, Scottsdale, AZ
Against the Grain: Turned & Sculpted Wood, McAllen International Museum,
American Art Company  Tacoma, Wa.
Small Treasures del Mano Gallery  Los Angeles, Ca
Our Turn Now Ohio Crafts Museum
Detroit Institute of Art
Turned Wood del Mano Gallery Los Angeles, Ca.
National Lathe Turned Objects exhibit Highlight Gallery Mendocino, Ca.
Holiday’s at the White House Washington, D.C.
American Craft Council Show Baltimore, M.D.
Kipp Gallery at Indiana University of Pennsylvania
(SOFA) International Exposition of Sculpture Objects & Functional Art New York,  New York
(SOFA) International Exposition of Sculpture Objects & Functional Art, Chicago, Illinois

7.PERMANENT COLLECTIONS
Smithsonian Institute, Renwick Gallery
White House Permanent Collection
Detroit Institute of the Arts Bob Bohlin Collection
Whoope Goldberg Collection
Neil and Susan Kay Collection
Fleur Bressler Collection


8. HOW DID YOU DECIDE OR EVOLVE INTO USING PRESENT MEDIUM?
I was privilege to have grown up in Alaska when it was still a territory and I was always
intrigued by nature and the lessons it had to teach. When it came time for me to make a
living, I found conventional jobs too restricting and unfulfiling. I missed the excitement of
creativity I experienced when I was closer to nature. My first project was a clock made from
a burl on a tree in my backyard. That was all it took! 35 years later I am still working with the
Alaskan woods I have always loved.

9. DO YOU USE ANY PERSONALLY DESIGNED TOOLS OR TECHNIQUES?
Yes, I have re-designed my metal lathe for outboard turning. The inlay and lamination work I
do is of my own creation and design. Due to the unique materials and design of my work, I
have also developed my own finishes and finishing techniques.

10. WHAT DO YOU DO TO EVOKE YOUR CREATIVITY?
Nothing. Creating is something I do instinctively. It's like breathing, I do it quite well but I
don't have to think about doing it.

11. DO YOU DRAW YOUR DESIGNS AND CONCEPTS OR DESIGN AS YOU WORK?
I always design as I work. I love surprises!

12. WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON THE CONTEMPORARY CRAFTS BEING PRODUCED
NOW AND
THE PLACE OF THE CRAFTS-PERSON TODAY?
Craftsman or craft-person was a title that used to be given to one who had acquired the
philosophy and skill to produce nothing but the highest level of work. I feel that there are
many fine crafts-people still producing excellent work today. Unfortunately there many
more who call themselves "craftsmen" but don't have the philosophy and therefore, never
develop the skill to actually become a crafts person. As far as the craft-persons place in our
society today, I believe they have always had and will always have an important place in
our society. They helped get us out of our caves and on to the moon. It doesn't matter what
they build, beautiful works of art or space stations, their integrity and desire to produce the
very best they can is what will help us achieve true civilization.

13. PUBLICATIONS FEATURING YOUR WORK.
Nature Transformed, Detroit , Michigan
Contemporary Turned Wood, Los Angeles, California
The Fine Art of Wood, Detroit Michigan
Woodturning, Sussex, England
Fine Furniture, Taunton Press, Newtown, Connecticut
The Art of Wood Jewelry, Lark Books
Wood Central Shop Shots, Saratoga, New York
Alaska Magazine Anchorage,  Alaska
Alaska Handcraft Catalog Juneau, Alaska
Welcome to Robert Cutler's
Excellence in Fine Woodworking