February 7, 2025 Benchmark Abrasives

Nicholas LoFaro (@lofaro_metalarts)

Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Nicholas from @lofaro_metalarts and talk a little shop.

If you would like to be featured in our weekly spotlight (100% FREE) and have a chance at winning one of our Grinder Hoods please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. And for those of you that take the time to share your story with us, we'd be happy to provide a free BA banner. These spotlights are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks. Most of all it's to have a little fun!

Name: Nicholas LoFaro

Business Name: LoFaro Metalarts LTD.

Location: Edwards, Colorado

Socials: IG: @lofaro_metalarts

Website: www.lofarometalarts.com

Specialties: Metal Art

Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long?

Sculpture work inspired me to get into the trade. I have been welding for about 12 years but I began after a lifetime spent working with clay, plaster, paint, concrete and even animal bone in my art. My father was a mechanic and my mother was a teacher and an artist, so I had plenty of experience in both art and construction. When I discovered welding as an art form, I absolutely loved the strength and versatility of the earthbound material and appreciated the abundance of reclaimed steel. After the torch became my new paint brush, I began my company LoFaro Metalarts LTD.

What keeps you motivated throughout the day?
Coffee, music, movies, podcasts, snacks and the weather are my biggest motivators throughout my day. You gotta have some good coffee and designated - or forced -time to have a break, rest and contemplate, allowing for your subconscious to do some work. Depending on my mood, I’ll have anything from classical to synthwave to black metal music, but I also love watching history or creative documentaries, “how-to” YouTube videos, nature films and have an affinity for 1980’s B horror movies. I love to weld when there is a storm, whether it is raining or snowing, I find that time to be great for hunkering down into a creative flow state.

What is your favorite shop tool and why?
Favorite tool in the shop is easily my Miller Millermatic 211, it is like painting with metal.

What's your favorite piece that you've worked on?
My full-size, bull elk named “Royal” is my favorite piece that I have worked on.

If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that?
My dream job as a welder would be able to build a whole ecosystem, complete with metal animals and plants of various sizes and species. I would construct an interactive walk among giants and a scavenger hunt for little, hidden pieces.

What BA product is your favorite and why?

I have used BA Cutting Wheels and Grinding Wheels and plan to purchase more products.

Use promo code SPOTLIGHT10 to save on these exclusive items - 1 week only!

If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?

I would love to collaborate with H.R. Giger, if he were alive, I’d love to create metal, 3 dimensional interpretations of his work as his biomechanics were a large influence on my style.

Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?

As for this next generation, my advice would be to pursue art or welding or whatever “hands-on” trade or skill you have and invest your time in yourself. Pursue making things! Mark Twain stated “to not let schooling interfere with your education,” so find yourself a cheap or used welder and helmet and some scrap metal and let your imagination run free. Utilize your community and educational videos and never stop learning. No one can take away your trade, once you learn your trade, it is part of you.

A Note From Leo

Thanks for sharing your story with us, Nicholas! Collaborating with H.R. Giger would be incredibly surreal. His work on the Alien franchise is still way ahead of its time!