August Faltin Historical Building
Robert P. Schmid II
Robert P. Schmid II, (Petrophysh), originally from a small farming community in Eastern Kansas, has called Texas home since 1991. Stationed in Newfoundland, Canada during his service in the US Navy in the late 1970s, Rob was introduced to the history and archeology of the Canadian Maritimes, including the aboriginal peoples, the first European invasion from Vikings and the eventual colonial settlements.
Educated as a fish farmer (aquaculturist), Rob spent time working in Florida, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Hawaii and finally Texas, raising Mahi Mahi, Tilapia and game fishes and all the while studying the local native cultures in his spare time.
Rob’s interest and fascination with these and other ancient cultures is part of the inspiration for his art. Encouraged to pursue his art passion with a gift of carving classes from his wife Cindy, Rob has been creating “piles of wood shavings” since 1995. Rob carves with traditional chisels and gouges, creating small hand carved pieces, but also makes use of a chain saw and other power tools to make bigger, more dramatic works. Rob’s carving style is primitive, leaving the work course with tool marks to add depth and character, sometime revealing only a hint of what lurks beneath the wood.
Carving, painting, and writing are “after work and weekend” passions, along with kayaking and enjoying the pleasures of being a grandparent.