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Born February 16, 1960, raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico with his mother of full Picuris Pueblo blood quantum, and his father of full Navajo blood quantum, with three brothers and three sisters.
Robert apprenticed under Charles Pratt, Sculptor, from July 1987-1991. He also apprenticed for Bruce LaFountain, Sculptor from June 1989-1991. Robert managed to go to work for Charles in the day and for Bruce on nights and weekends, just to acquire more knowledge for his chosen medium while attending the Institute of American Arts in Santa Fe, N.M., full-time. Upon his graduation, Robert received the T. C. Cannon Award for artistic and academic excellence in 1991.
Robert's first show was the 19th Annual Eight Northern Indian Artist & Craftsmen's show in 1991. Since then, Robert has won "Best of Division", "Best of Class" and several First place ribbons at the Santa Fe Indian Market, "Best of Division", "Honorable Mention" at the Heard Museum, Phoenix, AZ, 2 First place at Red Earth, Oklahoma, OK, 1st place at the Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana, IN, and several other 1st place at smaller art shows. He has also received a Governor's Award, called the Allen Houser Award for Artistic Excellence", from the State of New Mexico. In 1994, Robert became a SWAIA Fellowship Award Winner. In 1995, he won SWAIA's commission to create a sculpture to honor "Lifetime Achievement", given annually to recipients.
Robert has taught at the IAIA and currently teaching Stone Sculpture at the Poeh Arts Center in Pojoaque Pueblo, NM.
Robert's latest work can be seen at John Yeager Gallery, 7100 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, AZ yeagergallery@aol.com