Robert Crebo

“I have been involved in various art forms for much of my life. Upon graduating from high school in 1967, I received a summer scholarship to intern at the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana. There I was exposed to glass blowing, clay sculpture, wheel work, raku and all aspects of glazing and kiln firing. During my college years I majored in psychology with a minor in art. I eventually went on to become a teacher and administrator in the field of special education and enjoyed this career until I retired in 2000. I then moved to Palm Springs where I started a small landscape business and eventually became a real estate professional. Throughout my various careers, I continued to paint on various materials such as pottery/clay and other natural objects. I have done some commission work. Full retirement has now allowed me to pursue artistic expression in other mediums. In 2023 I became very interested in sculpture utilizing aluminum wire and natural materials to form bonsai trees. I have developed a unique technique of creating these beautiful works of art. I have been juried into a show at the Galen Art Center and I have another piece going into the Casting Shadows Show and Sale in May. I am a member of the Desert Art Center and the Artist Council at the Galen. The wire bonsai that I now create are very intricate with attention to every detail of the piece. Each piece contains approximately 1400 feet of aluminum wire. The 1400 feet of wire is comprised of approx. 400 individual strands of wire, each being a length of 42 inches. These lengths may vary depending on the size and design of each tree. Once the bundle of wire is formed, approximately 10 inches is dedicated to forming the roots and the remainder 32 inches forms the tree/foliage structures. Prior to starting to form the tree and roots, I determine what will be utilized for the base of the sculpture. I use natural bases such as driftwood, rock formations, and I have even used Asian inspired receptacle/pots. Once the tree including the roots are completed, the process of mounting the sculpture on the chosen base begins. This requires hours of gluing the tree trunk and roots to the base and creating a natural setting which is an important part of the overall sculpture. Each piece takes between 90-125 hours of work. The end results are very beautiful representations of Mother Nature in as realistic a setting as possible. Nature and its perfect imperfection has always been my inspiration to create visually beautiful works of art. The creative process is an integral part of my life. There is nothing more satisfying and rewarding as to using my talent to create these beautiful sculptures to share with others.”

Wire Bonsai #12

Aluminum Wire Sculpture on Driftwood

11" x 26" x 7"

$4,500.00

2024

Approximately 1400' of aluminum wire comprised of approx. 400 individual strands of vartious gauge. Each stand is approx. at 42" in length. Bundle of wire is hand twisted to form the tree/roots. Foliage is individually created using various sized rods. Tree/roots are then mounted on the driftwood.

Wire Bonsai #7

23" x 13" x 14"  18 lbs

2024

 $4,200