DAYTON – Kennewick artist, Joseph Rastovich began working with metal at age 14, after inheriting classic cars that he wanted to fix. These days he transforms steel into sculptures, wall art, lamps, and large public art pieces.

Rastovich has amassed a plethora of specialty metalworking tools over the years and sources his materials and supplies from industrial stores such as steel yards, welding supply stores, and industrial paint stores.

Rastovich says his is a "very physical profession" and calls himself a metal wrangler, and even wears a signature cowboy hat. He sells his smaller wor...