Conor Patrick Hollis is a sculptor, designer, and urban planner. Raised in New Orleans, Louisiana Hollis has an affinity for well designed objects and buildings that have a story and visible history. Hollis moved to the West in 1998 to Denver where he finished his formal education in sculpture. Working in many of the cities foundries, fabrication shops, public art studios, and colleges Hollis honed in on his skills and design. His appreciation for the structure and affects of human progress and building led him to pursue further education receiving a Masters Degree in urban and regional planning with an emphasis in urban design. He's studied architecture, graphic design, city planning, urban design, sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, all of which are influences present in his work. His sculptural work often addresses the childlike nature of American society and its social structures. The toy like objects reveals the playful side in Hollis as well. His work appreciates the human quest for knowledge while emphasizing the issues that are continually exacerbated because of aggressive western development and our temporary plastic culture. He addresses the underlying issues presented by human progress and the industrial revolution such as suburban sprawl, war, strip malls, and disposable culture. His color palate is warm, sophisticated, and organic. Movement is a key element to his compositions. The color palette and patina choices Hollis makes are directly influenced by the aesthetic experience of New Orleans. He believes good design has the power to change someone’s attitude; and art the power to change someone’s mind.    

 

 

 

Sculpture Description:  

 

Six whimsical sculptures at the Overland Aqua Golf driving range were created by local sculptor Conor Patrick Hollis. Inspired by the area, elements from the history of the site are presented throughout the works. These elements include, train wheels that teeter like a child’s toy in addition to iconic water towers that sit cockeyed a top space framing structures. The steel structures conceptually highlight the social reconstruction of the location while recognizing the area’s history of industrialization. The form and design of the sculptures re-contextualizes the imagery native to Overland creating a new visual vernacular. The color palette for the sculptures was inspired by train cars and will be allowed to age naturally over time similar to the many trains still passing through the area. Just as the industrial forms within the area have aged creating a beautiful industrial landscape, these pieces add to and highlight that ever-changing aesthetic.