Born in Santa Ana, California, Robert Held aspired to be an artist from an early age. He continued his studies in painting until he encountered ceramic artist F. Carleton Ball and was inspired to explore ceramics and pottery.

While pursuing a Master's Degree in Fine Arts at the University of Southern California, Robert was awarded the Graduate Assistantship and the prestigious "Glen Lukins Award" for new work in ceramics. Upon graduating, he accepted the position of Head of Ceramics at the Sheridan School of Design in Ontario, becoming the school's youngest chair of department.

Robert discovered his true medium after attending a workshop on glassblowing at Penland College. The rich colours he had used on canvas and the classic forms from his potter's wheel could be combined in hot glass. In 1987, Robert founded his current studio, Robert Held Art Glass, in Vancouver, British Columbia. To this day the creation of fine glass consumes his time. This has produced, for Robert, commercial success on an international scale.