Rise Amherst by Zaeos in Santa Monica

Robert is a Los Angeles-based artist and creative director with a legacy of exploring the friction between the feral and the urban. After spending the majority of his adulthood immersed in the rugged landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Rob recently returned to his roots in Southern California, bringing a matured perspective to his continued work. His practice is defined by a high-contrast collision of hyper-realistic flora, illustration and sharp, geometric pulses, a juxtaposition that mirrors the internal struggle between our organic truth and the rigid structures of the world. This duality is informed by over 30 years of experience at the intersection of fine art and industry. As a seasoned art director and design professional, Rob has spent decades curating high-profile art programs and managing complex creative projects, including serving as the director for the Nordstrom Art Works program. This background in corporate design and program management provides a disciplined foundation for his large-scale public installations, allowing him to navigate the logistics of major commissions without losing the raw, rebellious spirit of his work. For Rob, this duality is deeply personal. Having navigated a childhood shaped by scarcity and trauma, he uses walls as a site for healing, rebellion, and contemplation. By layering intricate floral, anatomy, and portraiture with bold, disciplined lines, he creates immersive portals that invite us to pause and reconnect. It’s a visual dialogue on resilience and social justice, reminding us that even in the sharpest environments, there is a beauty worth fighting for.