Cast Bronze Head Stick
The first stick I ever made. I really never intended to make a stick at all. At the time I was an undergrad sculpture student just trying to make art . The head of the stick was a cast bronze head study of a young woman I had done for class. After I had it for a while it occurred to me that it might make a cool head for a walking stick. I then promptly forgot about it for almost a year. Around that time I was at this jewelry supply place and noticed this piece of wood on the shelf. It was 1"square and 36" long and it was unusually heavy. I asked the owner what it was and he said it was Cocabolo. I looked at the wood more carefully and saw some interesting grain and it had a smell that reminded me of something that I couldn't quite place. I bought it …….I had found the other half of the stick. Turning the shaft was a life altering experience. (This all occurred around 1970. What with me being a hippy, long haired sculptor you can imagine the sorts of mind alerting stuff I was into. There were however two things I never did in an altered state. I never worked with machinery because it was to dangerous and I never read books because I'd fall asleep). During the times just before the turning I had discovered a new sci/fi author. Frank Herbert's Dune was amazing. The planet Arakis, the Freemen,their dessert, the giant worms and the ever present spice. Spice the life blood at the very heart of existence for the dessert planet and all of its people. I remember starting to turn this exotic wood and as the dust swirled around me there was this sweet pungent spicy? aroma. At that exact instant I was no longer on Earth but in a cloud of spice on the surface of Dune. From that day on I was in love with exotic hardwoods and I became a lifelong cane maker.
Long-time member
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Fast shipper
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
Great service
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
I Design and realize contemporary functional and decorative art . My work has been made for synagogues, theatre, opera, ballet, homes and individuals. Whatever you can imagine I can bring it to life. Whatever I can imagine might surprise you.
My interests include but are certainly not limited to…Contemporary solutions to seating, tables, lighting , wearable art, sculpture, drawings, model making, murals, theatrical props, puppets, sports mascots and the most wonderful walking sticks you ever saw.
Materials include wood(domestic, exotic, and reclaimed), steel, bronze, copper, cloth, leather, silver, paint, pencil, fur, foam, plastic and aluminum………….
- TA
Tobi Alfier
For Walking Stick4.7One of the things I appreciated the most about Robert was that he listened to me. He heard not only my challenges, but also my preferences regarding the aesthetics of the cane/walking stick. As he came up with ideas and materials that would satisfy both functonality and aesthetics, he kept in touch. We talked by phone, text and email. Although the timeliness of delivery was later than originally estimated, that was because Robert really went out of his way to deliver something way beyond both our expectations in the very beginning. And I loved when he'd call to tell me his solutions to questions I had, and how they fit in with my wishes beautifully. Example: I wanted a stick that did not look brand new. I wanted it to look like it had been found behind the door in a ghost town, like it had been well used and well worn and left in the sun baking for forty years. Well obviously it is gorgeous - rosewood, copper and brass. It looks new, but not crass. When I told Robert I had concerns that it might be slippery, he found a box of ancient ulpholstery round-headed nails in an old hardware store in town, and patterned them on the stick so I could grip them and not slide. Robert made a cane version and a convertible longer version. I had told him I talk with my hands at public speaking events. The longer version has a small crutch at the top, NOT to use as a crutch, but to hold me when speaking so I can use my hands. I say that Robert gave me my hands back and for that I will always be grateful. As the project progressed, I could hear in his voice that Robert was very proud of his work, and I felt so special and cared for because he was making me a piece that he cared about. It is difficult to admit that you need help, but Robert has made me feel so proud to be using a walking stick that he is proud to have made. It is so beautiful, so gorgeous, understated but made of the most beautiful wood, the bands of copper and brass compliment the wood beautifully. I have been using it only a week and I have gotten so many compliments. But truly, it's not just the craftsmanship, it's the caring of Robert that made this a good experience. I would recommend him without question, and I would recommend CustomMade without hesitation. I am beyond thankful for both the experience, and the product. Thank you. Tobi Alfier
Discover true craftsmanship each week
A guide to the best items from the best makers and the stories behind them.
