OurStory

Junkyard wonderland: Sculptor turns scrap metal into art

By Jennie Nicholls
Nov. 14, 2009 5:54 p.m. MST

Products range in price from $20 to more than $8,000. Conlon's creativity really shines through in the custom products he has produced. The intricate details and the natural rusting greatly add to the conceptual pieces Conlon brings to life.

"I think I have something for everyone," Conlon said.

Even projects that didn't turn out the way he planned have a home somewhere.

"What I consider a failure, others think it's the best thing I've ever made," Conlon said.

When asked what things inhabit his backyard, Conlon laughed and reassured that it was not full of rusted metal.

"There are prototypes, original ideas, a rocket ship, as well as a garden. It's not just a junk pile," Conlon said.

Aside from the art, Sugar Post is running a relatively small operation with a handful of employees. The shop also does ornamental iron and gate work, as well as structural railings.

"But the art has never died," Conlon said.

The metal artist is constantly thinking of new accessories for the yard and office.

One of the newest creations for the garden is the "Obama," a whimsical bomb sandwiched between the letters "O" and "A."

The desk caddy, made of assorted wrenches and a large bolt, holds a roll of tape and a stack of business cards.

"Welding stuff was an easier way to pay the bills," Conlon said, relating to his switch from the pottery business. He admits he hasn't worked with clay in about four years.

The pottery shop is still alive, but under the direction of Kevin Winn.

Sugar Post was located in a small garage, but is now at its roomy location (at least for now) on Truman Avenue. "I feel really spoiled here. When I used to work out of the garage, I would be standing in puddles on rainy days," Conlon remembered.

The growth of the company may be credited to Conlon's presence in the local arts scene and nationwide catalog companies that carry his stuff.

Conlon has been recognized for the artistic integrity of his metal works. The 2009 Utah Arts Festival awarded him the Award of Merit, and he won Best in Show at the Park City Kimball Arts Festival in 2007 and 2008.

"It's rare a recycled artist wins anything besides the heart of the people," Conlon joked.