Robert Shields - Come see what I don't have to say...

The youngest of three children, Robert Shields was born and raised in California. He didn't speak at all until he was four years old and stuttered until he was seventeen. Perhaps his difficulty with verbal communication in his youth is the underlying reason behind the development of his accute ability to convey his thoughts and feelings in facial expression, body movements and poses. Marcel Marceau saw Robert working at the Hollywood Wax Museum and was so impressed with his raw talent he offered Robert a full scholarship at his school in Paris. Robert learned, but soon realized he needed to develop his own mime persona. Goodbye Paris-Hello San Francisco.
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Staking out the southeast corner of Union Square, the mime began to polish his traditional clown antics. Red Skelton once said, "There are perhaps 35 great clowns left in the world. Robert Shields may be the best one there is. To this day, Shields is still considered one of the top physical comedians." Meeting Lorene Yarnell created a unique entertainment duo and led to the airing of The Shields and Yarnell Show on television in the late 70's, performances around the world, the garnering of the Las Vegas Entertainer of the Year Award and winning an Emmy. Yet, the artist inside the boy, the mime and the man never stopped evolving and Robert never stopped searching for mediums other than mime and physical comedy to express his playful humor and wit.

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His search took him to Japan, Europe and everywhere in between. He considered modern America to be without tradition until he explored the West and, more particularly, Sedona and the Southwest
Here he found a style that suited many of his passions-movement, humor, ancient culture and art Sedona offered a perfect location to base his business, Robert Shields Design. Those who wear his creations, including celebrities like Whoopi Goldberg, Barbra Streisand and Shirley MacLaine, recognize his jewelry immediately. His paintings vibrate with color and fantasy. His collectibles reflect his tongue-in-cheek humor. His home decor pieces bring a new twist to southwestern art. Three retail stores in Sedona and well over a thousand wholesale accounts throughout the country would keep most entrepreneurs and artists too busy to think of any other ventures. Not so with Robert Shields.

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When the television show ended, Shields and Yarnell continued to perform – in Las Vegas, on Broadway, with orchestras across the country, and all around the world. Shields & Yarnell have performed on over 400 television shows. They have been described as "pioneers of the theatrical form of outrageous controlled insanity dubbed the ‘new vaudeville.’" They combine artistry from the past along with newer concepts, such as the use of voice-overs, soundtracks, and sound effects. Their spontaneous improvisation changes with the audience. With elasticity, unlimited invention, and boundless energy, they enter into a fantasy world, sweeping you along with them. Their gift is magic!

Robert’s move to Sedona, Arizona in the mid-1980’s brought forth a tidal wave of creativity which launched his business, Robert Shields Design. He designs an ever-expanding line of jewelry, home décor, and collectibles. In addition to his 3 retail shops in Sedona, his work is sold in over 1000 locations across the country.

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Robert’s passion has led him to many creative endeavors. In 1998, Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus recruited Shields to serve as their Director of Clowning. In 2000, his love of music led him to start a radio station that played music with an eclectic international flair and was heard throughout Northern Arizona. And in 2001, he briefly opened a restaurant, serving Pacific Rim-inspired cuisine in a uniquely entertaining atmosphere.
Come visit the world of Robert Shields and his Celebration of Imagination.

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San Francisco’s original street mime.