Current Work
Robert Milnes Studio focuses on sculptures that are based on combinations of positive and negative, volumetric shapes with surfaces that include binary symbols based on Morse code and other systems of representation, such as brain wave patterns, labyrinths and mazes, and phrenology charts. The sculptures and surfaces question symmetry, order, and how we express that we think we know something. Arbitrary Forms Studio focuses on utilitarian works.
Sculptures by Robert Milnes are represented by Mars Landing Galleries in Mars Hill, NC, the PDNB Gallery in Dallas, TX, Taupe Gallery in North Wilkesboro, NC, and Robert Milnes Studio in Asheville, NC. The April, 2022 show at PDNB gallery was reviewed in Glasstire.com by Matthew Bourbon.
The studio is open by appointment and during the Beaverdam Studio Tour, which takes place the last weekend in October each year. See the October, 2018 Asheville Made article by Paul Howey for information about the artwork, and see the Process and Blog pages on this website for information about making the pieces, and upcoming events. Utilitarian works by Robert Milnes, produced under Arbitrary Forms Studio are represented by: Grovewood Gallery, Asheville, NC, Museum of Craft and Design Store, San Francisco, CA, and Taupe Gallery, North Wilkesboro, NC.
Milnes’ work is influenced by his studies in philosophy, particularly the writings of Ludwig Wittgenstein, the 20th century Austrian philosopher, and more recently, the writing of Israeli philosopher Yuval Noah Harari. Other significant influences include the ceramic, stone, and wood carvings of cultures in Asia, Central, and North America. They reflect appreciation of many contemporary artists working in clay and other materials as well.
