< Artists

ROBERT (BOB) PURVIS, Metal

Louis Armstrong once said, "If it sounds good, it is good." Bob Purvis says, "If it looks good, it is good." And Bob Purvis's work looks good.
Categorizing Robert Purvis as a metalsmith is but one rib in his umbrella of artistry. Elongate the term metalsmith to include designer and builder of contemporary furniture. Add another rib for his work as a sculptor. And yet another for the outdoor ironwork he creates. As a disciple of the "form follows function" theory, Purvis's umbrella is logically functional.
At age nine Purvis learned how to weld in his father's factory. Since then his talent has spiraled into works that he says are, ".very simple and austere, and intentionally elegant." Once he deems the functionality of a piece, it must be designed to be safe, and finally, he has freedom to work with form and color - fast becoming Purvis's signature.
Triangular shaped, bold colored tables. Contemporary freestanding lighting. Purvis exceeds his own rigid criteria in creating functional, elegant works. It is good.
- Monterey Wheeler.

	Side Table #1 48” x 12” x 37” with granite top $1,500
	Side Table #2 58” x 12” x 42” with yellow powdercoat $1,800
	Silhouette 20” x 13” x 83” $1,500
	Wing Form IV 30” x 13” x 73” $1,500
	One by Six 22” x 22” x 83” $1,500
	Coffee Table #1 30” x 48” x 16” with 3/4” glass top $2,100
	Coffee Table #2 30” x 48” x 16” with 3/4” glass top $2,100
	Occasional Table #1 37” x 18” x 21” with brushed top $650
	Occasional Table #2 24” x 16” x 22” with 1/2” glass $525
	Occasional Table #3 24” x 16” x 22” with 1/2” glass $525
	Coffee Table #3 34” x 59” x 17” with red powdercoat $1,800
	Occasional Table #4 18” x 30” x 21” with yellow powdercoat $575
	Side Table #3 48” x 12” x 36” with 1/2” glass $1,200
	Leaning Lamp #1 13” x 13” x 76” with wood veneer $800
	Leaning Lamp #2 13” x 13” x 76” with wood veneer $800
	Leaning Lamp #3 12” x 12” x 80” with 1/2” glass panel $1,200
	Pierced Wedge Steel Table Top Sculpture $300
	Turbulence Steel Table Top Sculpture $300
	Small Monolith Steel Table Top Sculpture $300
	Fireplace Tools $250
Robert Purvis "My work is about forms in space. It is immediate. It requires no interpretation. It lies far from the land of myth, irony, metaphor and symbols." "I believe that steel can be manipulated to evoke emotion and that is what I strive to do." Suttons Bay artist Bob Purvis is a disciple of the "form follows function" theory with furniture and sculpture that is simple and austere, yet intentionally elegant. Once he deems the functionality of a metal piece, it is designed to be safe — then ultimately, he has the freedom to finish it with complementary materials, form and color. Bold, angular tables. Contemporary freestanding lighting. Surprisingly dynamic sculpture. We invite you to experience the multiple facets of this skilled designer.