Robert Nanes
Every time Robert Nañes wraps the string around one of his hand-made toy tops, he takes a secret trip back to his childhood. As he spins the top, he looks for perfect balance, and when it dances across the sidewalk he breaks into a wide smile of delight and satisfaction. It’s a perfect top!
A master woodworker, Robert’s love of tops is no different than the love of his craft. He seeks perfect joints and assembles his pieces without nails. He begins with a drawing on paper, and taking a log from a tree in his back yard he begins the process of giving wood a new life. With each cut he makes, the new shape begins to emerge. Accuracy is his goal, for each joint must fit perfectly.
Robert Nañes was born in Colorado, but chose San Antonio, TX as his home. He attended San Antonio College and As a young boy, Robert moved with the seasons and harvests throughout the country. Years later, as a single father, he knew he wanted to have a stable environment and security for his own children, so he moved his family to San Antonio, a city he saw as having more opportunities for them. Robert and his children spent the first six months in San Antonio visiting the magical places he found throughout the city. He wanted them to dream as he did and know there would be many options in life. His goals were realized as both found their way to higher education and successful careers.
Today, Robert creates furniture and toys accented with bright colors that carry traces of his childhood. He recalls, "We would go visit my aunt in Peidras Negras and I would notice all the brightly colored houses in her neighborhood. To me all these were happy houses. When we arrived at her house the furnishings were simple with straight lines, well constructed, and painted in bright colors. That memory inspires my work."
A woodworker for over 30 years, Robert learned his craft while working with fine cabinet makers and has continued to refine his jointry expertise with every project he undertakes.
