Born in 1948 in Newton, Kansas, Robert Chapman moved with his family to Arizona at the age of nine. At that early age, Chapman’s interests centered around science and he was sure he was headed for a life as a chemist. At the age of twelve, however, one sudden clarifying experience crystallized Chapman’s desires. He was sure from that moment that he was going to be an artist and he has never swerved from that course.

Chapman studied art at Arizona State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in printmaking, specializing in etching and woodcuts. It was during his studies that Chapman developed a real reverence for art and the process of printmaking, and acquired an expansive knowledge of his craft.

Besides printmaking, Chapman has worked extensively in many areas of fiber art, including quilt making, embroidery and beadwork. In 1976, Robert founded a textile design company and operated the studio until he sold it in 1984.

Restoration is another talent for which Chapman has become known. He has been in demand from museums and major collections around the world to perform his specialty restoration of prehistoric and historic Indian pottery of the southwest and central and South America.

Robert Chapman’s work has been seen in exhibits in the United States and Europe and has been collected by admirers on both continents. He is currently developing exciting prints in a varied range of subject matter from abstracts to traditional florals. One consistent point in all Chapman’s work is his patient attention to detail, his fidelity to his ideals of quality and his love of his craft.