Artist's Statement

Contemporary and experimental

I make contemporary pieces that are useful and, at the same time, experimental. My objective is to make pieces that can be admired and actually used for a functional purpose. I’m pleased when people realize the pieces are meant to be used, and are intrigued enough to pick up the glass, and find out what it feels like in their hand. Most of my designs are incorporated in the form of vases, bowls, platters and other unique shaped vessels.		 Inspired by the elements

I am constantly inspired by sand and water, I think because they flow very much the same way the hot glass flows. I aim to capture movement in the glass. Other elements of nature, such as stone and the sky, have influenced me in the past, and will likely influence me again in a new way. 		Works of art, made for a purpose

When we hear of archaeologists discovering artifacts from the past, the pieces they find are inevitably made for a purpose, yet at the same time they are often 'works of art'. I like to imagine that many years from now, my pieces will be found and analyzed in the same way. I get a great sense of accomplishment when I successfully finish a huge piece, crack it off the pipe then proudly plant it in the annealer, knowing that it will one day soon be admired by the beholder and actually used.

About the Artist

Robert Parkes became involved in The Glass Arts in 1969. First as a hobbyist in leaded glass, then moving on to become a Glazier in Stained Glass. He worked for the many studios that were operating in Vancouver at that time, creating new works, as well as restoring, conserving and repairing old works.

Robert began his apprenticeship as a Glassblower in 1987 at Robert Held's Studio in Kitsilano, Vancouver. Parkes collaborated with Held and many other fine glassblowers over 22 years working at the Kitsilano Studio. Robert eventually became the head gaffer at that studio, which is recognized as the largest and most successful Glasshouse in Canada.

In 2009, A portion of the barn on Parkes' five acre Port Kells property was transformed into The Loafing Shed Glass Studio. The new space is equipped with an electric melt glass furnace and an oversized glory hole and annealer. Robert's goal is to continue creating Art Glass, and to teach what he has learned over three decades of working with the material he loves best.

Parkes's other interests include maintaining lawns on his five acres, the food network, cooking, and bringing his telescope out on a clear evening. Robert and Jeanette Parkes have been married for 21 years and are kept busy raising their four daughters.