Robby Rechord - Wood Artist
Artist Statement
Music producer Brian Eno said “Play is how children learn and art is how adults play.” That captures what KnoWonder represents—answering the questions I wonder about while working with materials in my shop.
KnoWonder Designs turns ideas into functional art. I use dimensional lumber, salvaged wood slabs, concrete, epoxy, and found materials to build beds, tables, chairs, stools, countertops, and cabinets. I keep some pieces in stock and take custom commissions.
Biography
I’m Robby, a former Grand Canyon boatman and Teton ski guide based in Flagstaff, Arizona. Born and raised in Chicago, I fell in love with the West while attending college in Colorado and knew I wanted to focus on building a life in the west.
It started when my wife said we needed a new bed. After research led me to the highly-reviewed Thuma bed with its castle joint design, I thought: I can make that! My first attempt with leftover construction lumber was so out of square I had to scrap it. The second was perfect—and that pillow board made morning coffee in bed a daily highlight.
I’d created furniture that made our lives better. But I kept rolling new bed ideas around in my head. When I mentioned wanting to build and sell beds, my wife called a friend who’s a strong arts patron. Two minutes later, I had my first commission for a king-size castle joint bed.
Four years later, I’m still full of ideas, learning lessons, and experimenting with styles and materials to create functional pieces that highlight the beauty of both the material and the final form.
Contact
(307) 690-3695
