Nick Rascona (@nickrawsart)
Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Nick from @nickrawsart 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!
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Name: Nick Rascona
Business Name: Sola LLC
Location: Tempe, AZ
Website: nicolasrascona.com
Specialties: Sculpture, Fabrication, Painting
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Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long? The field of sculpture demands problem solving, creativity, hard work and constant study of the physical world- once I realized there was a possibility to trade those skills in the marketplace I have never looked back. I’ve been making art for over 10 years and working professionally as a sculptor for just around 3 years.
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What keeps you motivated throughout the day? A deep love for art has always kept me motivated; I enjoy working out ideas, solving problems, and constantly pushing and developing my craft. |
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What is your favorite shop tool and why? I am never far from an angle grinder but I would have to say my welder (Miller Syncrowave 210) is my absolute favorite tool in the shop. Tig welding completely unlocked a new level of craftsmanship for me and I will always be grateful for the opportunities/ possibilities this tool has unlocked for me. |
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What's your favorite piece that you've worked on? Fabricating this 2000lb sculpture for the Chandler FD was an amazing experience. I am all about making things as finely as possible and this project was a great opportunity to channel all of my skills towards creating an impactful piece that celebrates firefighters and the work they do in our communities. |
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If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that? To have a shop, tools, and work is all I’ve ever wanted. I love designing, and fabricating custom works for clients, and I love the r and d time just as much. |
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What BA product is your favorite and why?
40g flap discs of all sizes 100%- they serve a critical use in my shop of taking down welds effectively without digging deeper than intended into the material.
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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?
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What tips and tricks do you have for us that might be different or eye opening for others to try with BA product?
The 6” T27 flap discs are super useful for taking down welds on flat surfaces, and the sharp edge is perfect for shoving into the corner and cutting down material quickly.
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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?
Rick Ruben- he is a music producer, and I am a sculptor; I have no idea how our work would overlap but he is an insanely creative person and that would be a dream collab for sure.
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Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?
WORK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES. And work hard, it will give you skills and if you pay attention it will give you an understanding of how to create a business and define your own value in the marketplace. The most valuable education I have ever had has been working in and around small businesses.
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What are your future plans for your shop?
I plan to keep making art, developing skills, working out ideas for bigger, and better works.
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A Note From Leo
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Nick! I also am a fan of the R&D process of design but in the digital realm. It's a rush when you can figure something out on your own and apply it to your designs - making you proud of the outcome you've created!