John Collier (sculptor)
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John Collier (b. June 26, 1948 -) is an American sculptor and artist, most renouned as chief sculptor for the Catholic Memorial at Ground Zero.
[edit] Childhood
Collier was born on June 26, 1948 in Dallas, Texas to parents Carroll Lloyd Collier and Mildred Louise Ferguson, and was the oldest of six children (three brothers, two sisters). He attended and graduated school in Dallas, and according to his father (an artist himself), "...demonstrated great talent...as an artist..."
During his time in college at North Texas, John originally planned to study philosophy or engineering. The academic curriculum allowed him to attend only two art courses per semester, but the limitations did not suit Collier. He has said, "I had other ideas...I had a figure drawing class in the morning; then, stayed in the studio drawing all day. I failed all my other classes, got an A in drawing, and learned what I wanted to learn."
[edit] Career
From a group of over thirty selected artists, John Collier was chosen as the chief sculptor for the Catholic Memorial at Ground Zero. He has made sculptures, signifying the police officers, firefighters, and workers that were dedicated by Cardinal Egan in May 2005 in memory of those who died on September 11, 2001. Collier's works are installed at St. Joseph’s Chapel, next to Ground Zero.
Most of his career has been spent sculpting art for the world's major secular institutions and for private collectors. Since the sculptures were made, Collier has dedicated himself to painting and sculpting for the church.
