Robert uses a variety of traditional and modern tools to create his dolls. His paints are acrylic and a wood sealer is used to protect the wood from the elements. He carefully prepares for each carving: ensuring that the style of clothing, jewelry and special attributes are faithfully reproduced. He does not have a preferred style of carving, but does enjoy the more colorful Kachinas.
Robert has been inspired by well known Hopi carver, Cecil Calnimptewa. Mr. Calnimptewa's exacting and realistic approach to carving has resulted in many "life-like" Kachina dolls. This influence is evident in the anatomical intricacy and motions characterized in Robert's dolls. Most of his dolls range from 6 to 12 inches and range in price accordingly.
As a young child, he began drawing at home and then started carving while in high school. After graduating in 1982, he attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM from 1984 to 1986. He received his fine arts degree in two-dimensional art.