Rik Sargent left the university environment in 1972 to move home to Colorado and study with the local masters that were creating the realist art known as Western Art.  Here the opportunity to study anatomy and form in foundries and private studios gave Rik the academic background no university of the ‘70’s could offer.

During this period of study, Rik owned a successful landscaping company.  This relationship between his interest in the design of open space and the design of sculpture formed a unique talent for creating sculpture that relates to its environment.  Great sculpture can be attractive anywhere but placed in the correct environment it becomes complete.  Successful public art must combine these two elements equally; first a graceful sculptural form and second a reason and harmony to the environment in which it is placed.