Roots
Robert R. Norman was born in a little port town called Harbor Beach. On the shore of Lake Huron Mi. Bob was brought into this world in 1968. A year of war. His father Don, seen here smoking, was stationed at the local Coastguard. His mother Gloria was a local gal who grew up there. Her father to your right was Roman. Also BOBs middle name. The new family helped make ends meet by fishing for bullhead catfish and whatever Don and his new brother-in-laws could catch. This photo shows Don cleaning fish along with Roman, Uncle Larry and Aunt Jill. Just one year older than BOB. Oh the little kid learning how to clean those bullheads is Robert Roman Norman. The rest is history.
Creative history
BOBs creative history is not unlike so many others. He took to art at a young age. Took every class in public school that taught any kind of art. Went to art school for a couple of years in Traverse City Mi. Got into Kendal School of Art and Design but could not afford it. Designed candles and t-shirts for while. Then moved to the Ozarks in the mid 90s. Where in 1996 he stared Roadside Rustics. The first all sassafras log furniture manufacture. Most noted for building furniture for the Bass Pro Shops. After a trip to Burning Man, An extreme art fest, He sold Roadside to his employees. A few months later, after a friends death BOB did the unthinkable and sobered up. He now finds himself with an all new drive and perspective. Since then he has pursued his love and passion for making all things fish.
