We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Robert Lopez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Robert below.

Alright, Robert thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I happened to tune into PBS one day and came across the series Craft in America. As I watched a few episodes, I was captivated by an installment featuring renowned jewelry artist Kit Carson. At the time, I had been creating various forms of art for many years and was an active member of a lapidary society, cutting stones and experimenting with wire wrapping. However, seeing Kit Carson’s work was a revelation. His intricate use of metals, stones, and other materials to create expressive, imaginative jewelry opened my eyes to the true artistic potential of the medium. That moment marked a turning point for me—I was inspired to begin creating my own unique pieces, and I knew I had found my artistic path in jewelry design.

Robert, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My creative journey began in childhood, as soon as I could hold a pencil. I was drawn to expressing myself visually, often doodling in the margins of my schoolwork instead of focusing on lectures. This early inclination naturally led me to high school art classes, where I explored various mediums—colored pencils, markers, and paints—developing a foundational appreciation for artistic expression.

Although I never envisioned art as a long-term pursuit at the time, I explored it earnestly in my early adulthood. I completed an apprenticeship as a tattoo artist and worked professionally in the field for several years. Despite my dedication, I realized that tattooing was not the medium through which I could reach my full creative potential.

Around that time, I discovered a local lapidary club, where I learned to cut and polish stones into cabochons. While working as a flooring installer, I had a chance encounter that shifted my path once again. During a lunch break at a client’s home, I watched her wire-wrap a cabochon in silver. Captivated by the process, I visited a craft store the next day, bought wire, and began experimenting. I was immediately hooked.

For the next few years, I focused on wire-wrapping the cabochons I cut, gradually integrating silver sheet and components into my designs. I taught myself metalsmithing, slowly building a personal studio and acquiring tools and techniques through online tutorials, books, and trade magazines. This self-guided education allowed me to experiment freely and cultivate a distinctive style.

Over time, my work evolved through countless hours of practice and exploration with metal and stone. The result is a body of work that reflects a unique aesthetic—organic yet refined, intricate yet bold. My pieces have become recognizable for their signature style, shaped by both my craftsmanship and personal narrative.
As I worked with various tools, I gradually began modifying existing ones, inventing new tools, and making small batches to sell to other metalsmiths. I currently produce a range of specialized tools, including the Stinger Riveting System, Titan Solder Pick, Sled, and Holy Roller. I am also in the process of developing the Locktagon bur and tool holder.

As my tools and work started gaining recognition among my peers, I was invited to teach. For several years, I traveled around the country, sharing my techniques and designs with other metalsmiths at major events and private studios.
My work eventually garnered the attention of several magazine editors, leading to multiple publishing opportunities. I was honored to be featured in the 75th anniversary catalog of one of the industry’s most recognized suppliers. Additionally, my work was the subject of a full-length feature article in Bella Armoire magazine, and I contributed to several articles published in Lapidary Journal.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the freedom it offers me—a daily release from whatever weight life may be placing on my shoulders. For me, creating art is a meditative act, a way to escape the bondage of self and society. It allows me to step outside the noise and reconnect with something deeper.

My mind is often a whirlwind of thoughts, loud and relentless if left unchecked. But when I’m immersed in the process of creating—whether crafting a piece of art or building a tool—everything quiets down. In those moments, I’m free from the grind.

I’ve never been someone who easily expresses themselves through words or emotions, but through my art, I speak clearly. My work is colorful, bold, and expressive, full of movement and layered meaning. I describe it as controlled chaos. Like me, it carries depth—marked by imperfections, scratches, dings, and dents—yet there’s beauty in every flaw. It’s raw, real, and, I hope, a wonder to behold.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I don’t create for trends, markets, or mass appeal—I create for me. My work is an extension of what excites and fulfills me. If it resonates with others, that’s a beautiful bonus, but first and foremost, it must speak to me. I am my own audience, my own critic, and my own compass.

Years ago, I heard the phrase, “Follow your bliss, and the rest will follow.” That idea has stayed with me ever since. I believe deeply that when I stay true to my vision—when I invest in developing my voice, my style, and my design language—something authentic and magnetic emerges. I’m not chasing money or popularity. I’m nurturing a creative path where the work shines on its own terms, and where, eventually, the right eyes will find it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.robertlopezdesigns.com
• Instagram: robertlopezdesigns1
• Facebook: Robert Lopez
• Youtube: @RobertLopezDesigns

Image Credits

Robert Lopez