SLCC metal sculpting instructor Richard Prazen demonstrates a MIG welder in his shop. (Will Samsky)
Richard Prazen is a third-generation blacksmith working in his trade for the last 20 years, sculpting a variety of metal artworks. Prazen oversees metal sculpting at Salt Lake Community College, igniting passion for an almost-lost art.
Richard Prazen teaches metal sculpting at Salt Lake Community College’s Taylorsville Redwood Campus. Prazen comes from a family of blacksmiths. (Will Samsky)
Local blacksmith Richard Prazen uses an oxyacetylene torch to illuminate his sculpture of Four Bears, a chief of the Mandan tribe. Prazen teaches metal sculpting at Salt Lake Community College. (Will Samsky)
Anvils aren’t just for cartoons. Richard Prazen’s anvil and hammer are just two of the many tools in his shop. (Will Samsky)
Two of Richard Prazen’s hammers lay on his workbench. These are just a couple of the countless tools in Prazen’s shop. (Will Samsky)
The hammers pictured are just a few of the tools that fill Richard Prazen’s shop. Prazen has several handmade tools, including his metal forge. (Will Samsky)
Pictured is one of Richard Prazen’s large eagle sculptures. Over the years, Prazen has produced many sculptures based on different birds of prey. (Will Samsky)
SLCC metal sculpting instructor Richard Prazen shows off an oxyacetylene torch, which he uses for welding, cutting and coloring. Prazen produces awards for the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. (Will Samsky)
“Four Bears” by Richard Prazen. The sculpture is based on George Catlin’s painting of Four Bears, a chief of the Mandan tribe. The sculpture is made of steel, stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, copper and brass. (Will Samsky)
Metal roses sit on the shop desk of SLCC metal sculpting instructor Richard Prazen. Making these roses is one of the assignments Prazen uses to teach his students metalworking skills. (Will Samsky)
Love Rick’s work! Took his class a couple years ago and sparked my passion to be a welder.
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