Originally from Freeburg, IL, Robert Thomas Mullen received his BFAs in metalsmithing and photography from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a MFA in metalsmithing from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. This past summer, he worked as a studio technician at the Society for Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh and assisted Daniel DiCaprio at Penland School of Crafts.
Robert’s work is highly influenced by his current local environment and culture, as well as places he visited on family trips from his childhood: “My jewelry is a way for me to materialize the world I have experienced. I can take my environment and hold it in my hand, allowing me to better understand my surroundings.”
After taking two workshops in wood jewelry earlier this year, Robert has discovered his love for the material and enjoys working with both native and exotic woods. During his residency at HCCC, he hopes to refine his techniques and combine wood and metal in unique ways to create his jewelry.
His work has been exhibited at Mesa Contemporary Arts; Society for Contemporary Craft; Cole Arts Center; Erie Art Museum; Burren College of Art in Ballyvaughan, Ireland; and online through SNAG. He was published in Lark’s Showcase 500 Rings and Chimera 8 and 9. Robert will be with HCCC through May of 2013. For more information, visit www.robertthomasmullen.com.
