Richard Prazen is a third-generation blacksmith and has widely influenced the metal artistic community for the last 20 years. He currently oversees the metal art program for Salt Lake Community College, and enjoys sharing his knowledge of this almost lost trade. Richard can accommodate any commissioned sculpture piece, large and small, from contemporary to realistic, as well as artistic, two-dimensional wall murals, custom furniture, and any other challenging concept in metal.
Website: prazen.com
A Cry for Peace – 2025
$9,500 – 7ft x 4ft x 3ft – All steel rusted with beeswax coating
Sponsored by Hilton Garden Inn
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A Cry for Peace is a welded metal sculpture of a Ute Warrior from the Wolf Clan during the 1800’s made of steel. I left it partially exposed to give it a ghostly feel from the past as he was asking for peace for his people during times of conflict. It’s hard to imagine the hardships that the Indian People were exposed to as the White people pushed forward West. The Railroads pushed through their lands and Wagon Trains brought many people and there was so much conflict. This sculpture just captures some of that sentiment.
Previous Entries
Angler of the Deep – 2024
$9,500 – 7’ 4’ X 3’ – Bronze
I enjoy freedom and diversity in choosing subject-matter. I love so many things that this beautiful earth and our surroundings have to offer. I love what mankind has been able to unfold over the ages; the culture, the heritage, and the passion. I love to study animals, birds, insects and unusual creatures and genres, such as steampunk, mythology, and other ways of thinking that are out of the box. My granddaughter prompted me to build “Angler of the Deep,” as she thought it would be an interesting subject. She was right! I discovered that it has this crazy appendage in front of its mouth that sports a small, round, ball-like object that dangles and attracts smaller fish, so the angler can easily catch them for lunch. It lives deep in the ocean where it’s dark, so it depends on natural illumination to draw the other fish. I thought it was a fascinating subject to capture, as this creature has some really crazy teeth. Truly, the angler has a face that only a mother could love.
Northstar – 2022
I love creating fantasy sculptures with a whimsical steampunk theme. This piece captures the feeling of floating on clouds through open realms and encountering new adventures along the way. I believe that art heals and creates self-confidence and brings beauty into the world.
Bad to the Bone – 2021
Richard has always loved music. He says music helps him work and keeps him in a good mood while working. Growing up on rock and roll music, Richard’s favorites included Elvis, The Stones, and The Beatles, along with country, classical, symphony, hip hop, and just about any musical genre. In the last few years, he has also become a fan of Steampunk art, incorporating found objects such as chains and gears to create relatable subjects. This Steampunk-inspired sculpture is Richard’s interpretation of a rock star jamming on his guitar. Rock on!
Think Green – 2021
Most of us are critically aware of the need to be mindful of climate change, and the fact that we are responsible for the survival of our planet. “Think Green” is a reminder to all of us that we need to take an active role in helping reverse the damage that we humans have done to our beautiful planet. Richard likes the story of the Frog Prince, who could grant wishes and change the world around us. He crafted the park bench with the whimsical creature lying on it, so that people could sit by him, and even ask his advice or request that he grant a wish. Richard enjoys creating sculptures that make people smile.
