Meet Trailblazer Holly Nordeck

Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Nordeck.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in the suburbs of Littleton, CO and haven’t left Colorado since. I think like all artists, I was interested in art at a very young age. I was pretty shy, and traditional school settings were very difficult for me, so I turned to making art as an outlet for myself and haven’t really stopped. When it finally came to attending college, I wanted to become a veterinarian, I always loved animals and wanted to make a difference but that just wasn’t my path. After finally pushing away all the negative thoughts and opinions about pursuing art as a career, I decided to pursue my BFA in drawing at Colorado State University. I think taking the chance on myself was the best decision I made, my work often combines my love for art and animals. After graduating college, I moved to Denver and did all sort of different things until I finally found my groove and settled in. Right now I am an employee at the Denver Art Museum, I work on my own artistic practice, and strive to be as involved in the Denver arts community as much as I can.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, at a young age I was told I had Dyslexia and ADD and was sort of conditioned to believe I was not smart enough, which still creeps on me today, which I am always working on. Additionally as a female artist, it’s sometimes hard to be taken seriously or be seen for your art beyond just your gender. I was actually rejected the first time I applied to the drawing program at my college. I think I am still just starting my journey and so far I’ve learned it takes grit, determination, and a lot of rejection.

Although I’d like to point out, as a cis-gendered white woman, I have a lot of privileges over many others, My family is extremely supportive of me, and I have friends and colleagues who believe in what I am doing. While it hasn’t been easy, I’ve received so much help along the way.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I play two distinct roles. The first is as a multimedia artist and the other is as a Denver Art Museum employee.

As a multimedia artist, I explore the themes of mortality, human value systems, urban ecosystem issues, and consumerism. I question humanity’s relationship with animals, specifically the contradictions between roadkill and taxidermy as they relate to societal ideations of anthropocentrism. I also explore the history of plastic as a material and its effects on human society and our shared ecology. Additionally, reactions to my work prompt me to focus on metaphysical analysis where I explore themes about my mental health, body image, and identity as a femme.

Separately, as an employee of the Denver Art Museum, I am an arts advocate and educator, as the studio and artist programs assistant… I work with local creatives through various programs to ensure their voice is heard and experienced by visitors. I feel so grateful that I am able to work with so many talented and creative people who have such important things to say through their art. I believe art can create a positive impact on a community and strongly believe its value through an educational, therapeutic, and political lens.

Which women have inspired you in your life?
That is a really hard question. My mom, obviously, is so amazing, a self-made woman who does not take anything from anyone. Even with all of her struggles, she continues to fight, and I admire her so much for that.

I am also inspired by everyone who works in the Learning and Engagement department at the Denver Art Museum also inspires me. I’ve never met so many hard working people who are so dedicated and passionate about their work.

On a macro scale, I have always been inspired by the artworks of Francesca Woodman, Kiki Smith, Lorna Simpson, and Annette Messenger. I considered their work to be so dynamic and a voice for femme artists.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hollynordeck.com
• Email: hnordeck@gmail.com
• Instagram: holllyeho

Image Credit:
Personal photo- Colin Ruff

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