The Artist

Following a career in curbside recycling and composting, Rick Hartner began to take recycling to a higher level by creating sculpture from discarded materials. The results were not just assemblages of society's trash, but rather the creation of caricatures and objects that draw in the viewer and evoke a smile or outright laughter.

Rusted sheet metal became a phoenix rising from the fire. Old metal shelving emerged as Aunt Alice and Poopsie make a surprise visit. A well used trumpet came silently alive being played by the Jazz Man. Positive response to his work from the public was almost immediate in the form of sculpture sales and commissions. Aunt Alice promptly received recognition at the 2000 Del Mar Fair Art Show by receiving an Honorable Mention from the Judges and the Peoples' Choice Award from viewers.

In addition to whimsical caricatures, Rick also creates wall hangings, artistic gates, and furniture. While he works almost exclusively with recycled metal, commissions can also be created out of new metal, or objects provided by the customer.

Sitting Duck Studio was named after one of Rick's first sculptures. Not destined to be a "sitting duck" himself, Rick is busy daily at work in his studio.