I get a huge amount of interest in my processes.  People think it’s hysterical that I begin statues out of insulating foam!  But, the truth is, I had a major mishap once when a monument I was working on had an internal welded support break, causing it to topple over onto me.  I almost had to go to the emergency room after getting crushed by the weight.  So I formulated new methods that would make the statue both easier to maneuver and also safer to work alone into the wee hours of the night if the spirit moves me!

Heather Soderberg cast her first bronze piece before she started kindergarten. Watch this wonderful feature on Heather courtesy of OPB and Oregon Art Beat.

Open Studio with Heather Soderberg on KBOO

Dmae dropped by the studio of Heather Soderberg in Cascade Locks, OR. Soderberg is known for her life-size sculptures. Her most well-known work is that of Sacagawea, the famed Native American heroine and guide to Lewis and Clark.

Soderberg has been creating scuptures since she was two years old when her father gave her some soft wax. She instantly sculpted impressive figures and became a child prodigy. Father and daughter often still work together on occasion. In 2009, Soderberg became the only woman to own a bronze foundry in the U.S.

” When Lewis and Clark passed through the Gorge on their return trip to Missouri, in April of 1806, the travelers found an area rich in wildlife, natural beauty and Native American trading partners.

In the area of present-day Cascade Locks, the expedition faced one of its bigger challenges: navigating the Cascade Rapids. Rushing water, high winds and driving rain made the task difficult.

So difficult, in fact, that the expedition was briefly separated on the night of April 9-10, 1806, as they tried to cross from the Washington side of the Columbia to the Oregon side. Three men and a canoe were left on the Washington side due to the high waves.

The remainder of the expedition spent the evening near Tanner Creek near Cascade Locks.

“In this channel we found a good harbor and encamped on the lower Side. We Saw Some deer Sign and Collins to hunt in the morning until the Canoes were toed above the rapids. Made 16 Miles to day. evening wet & disagreeable,” wrote Captain William Clark in his journal.

In the ensuing days the group would cross back and forth from the Oregon and Washington sides, including visits to several Native American villages in the vicinity of Cascade Locks…..

Select here to read the full article by Ben McCarty in the Hood River News!

The Port has commissioned local artist Heather Soderberg of Soderberg Bronze Works Inc. to create two bronze sculptures of Sacagawea and the dog Seaman, of Lewis and Clark history. These two figures have historical significance in the area—Cascade Locks was a noted stop on Lewis and Clark’s trail. These sculptures will be located west of the Visitor’s Center in the circle that previously hosted the flag pole. Heather’s stunning work set in such a beautiful location will create a site that will be treasured for years to come.

 
Part two of live coverage by KOIN of the “Caught in the Moment” exhibit of figurative realism in Portland, Oregon. The exhibit contained premiere examples of modern realist painters and sculptors both local and national. Genre Art Advocacy Center hosted the show which ran from December 10, 2009 until January 16, 2010. To view all the art and artists, go to htttp://www.ga2c.org.