Robert Hilton is a self-taught lamp fabrication artist who lives and works in the Seattle metro area.  By Day Robert works in the field of critical facility operations with a background in HVAC and electrical. When not working for one of the local tech giants, Robert spends time in his shop working with various kinds of vintage industrial components to produce electrified lighting creations that evoke a whimsical and playful reaction to those who view them. 

From an early age Robert had an appreciation for lighting and three-dimensional art.  Going to a local lighting store with his father one day he noticed how the lamps and chandeliers in the showroom created a fantastical world made up of lights and various shapes.  Sci-fi movies about fantastical spaceships and futuristic energy weapons intrigued his imagination.  Never satisfied with building models from a kit, Robert preferred finding what he could in his dad’s garage and putting together his own creations that reflected his interests.  From spaceships made of balsa wood to ray guns made from old saw handles and pipe, Robert enjoyed the freedom to create his own version of the things that interested him. 

Married at a young age, Robert focused his attention on getting a job to support he and his new bride.  His career search led him into facility engineering.  As a young man Robert went to trade schools where he acquired a steam and refrigeration license as well as an electrician’s license.  Robert’s focus was primarily electrical and plumbing installations used in the HVAC trade.  He learned how to work with different kinds of electrical conduit as well as different types of pipe used in plumbing installations.  Working with this medium was enjoyable since it allowed him to utilize his creative energy to create symmetrical pipe installations which served practical purposes.  Even though much of this work was behind the scenes, Robert enjoyed knowing his work was both pleasing to the eye and functional.

To make extra money Robert held a part time job working at a local lamp repair shop where he would rewire old lamps that people would bring in for repair.  He learned how to rewire various kinds of lamps and chandeliers and how to restore them to look like new.  Customers would also bring in old vases or items they treasured and ask to have them made into lamps.  This opened up to him new possibilities to be able to mix his love of lighting with his love of creating three dimensional objects.

He eventually learned about the genre of “Steampunk” which interested him.  The combination of modern-day conveniences mixed with the illusion of 19th century technology to accomplish functionality was a perfect platform to express his art.  With all the pieces put together, his love of lighting, his experience with HVAC and electrical along with the Steampunk genre, Robert now had the ability to let his imagination go crazy.  Merging industrial parts with antique relics he finds at swap meets and antique shops along with various vintage lamp parts, Robert creates what he calls, Industrial Fusion Lamp Art. My hope is that you are inspired with a childlike wonder as you view and interact with my creations.