Traveling, living, and observing, has exposed Rod to a variety of art styles, mediums, and messages. He strives to see beyond the literal and narrative, to create work that is contemplative, and expressive, yet conscious of traditional fundamentals. Rod's reputation has been cemented by winning multiple awards from the National Sculpture Society and election to Fellow of the National Sculpture Society. Rod studied at Montana State University, served apprenticeships with Floyd T. Dewitt, FNSS and Kent Ullberg, NA. Rod teaches at The Scottsdale Artist School and the Campbell Center for the Study of American Sculpture at Brookgreen Gardens, Pawley's Island, SC. He was also instrumental in helping start the Equine Sculpture Program at The Culver Academy, Culver, IN. Rod’s work is in the permanent collections of the National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, WY, The Leanin' Tree Museum, Boulder, CO, and Brookgreen Gardens, as well as in private collections around the world.