Sculptor inspired by FisherPoets Gathering

Published 1:42 am Tuesday, November 26, 2013

ASTORIA When Olinka Broadfoot, an internationally collected sculptor living in Portland, headed to Astoria for the FisherPoets Gathering this past February, she was excited to be immersed in authentic poetry and the lively atmosphere of a port town filled with fishermen. But what drew her attention upon entering a crowded poetry reading was one mans face. Fisher poet David Densmore has entranced audiences with his poetry and delivery style each year, but Broadfoot became fascinated with his charismatic visage and vowed to sculpt him. Even though the artist has exhibited extensively, she felt a bit awkward approaching Densmore to sit for her. Happily though, he was agreeable to the idea, and after a photo session and several sittings in person, Broadfoot sculpted a life-sized portrait bust in clay of the well-known fisher poet.

At 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, Densmore will be able to see his clay likeness in person for the first time during a presentation ceremony held at RiverSea Gallery in Astoria, where Broadfoot regularly exhibits her sculpture and paintings. All are invited to share the moment as the artist presents the sculpture as a gift to the man whose face inspired her. Later, Densmore plans to take the bust along with him to readings and speaking engagements, and Broadfoot hopes to create more portrait sculptures.

Broadfoot was born in Czechoslovakia and immigrated to the United States in her teens. Since 2006, she has spent summers in her native Czechoslovakia, holding the unusual position of artist-in-residence at a brick factory. For months each year she works on site, using brick clay, roofing tiles and other industrial materials at hand to create both sculpture and paintings. Many of these pieces, both completed works and components, are shipped back to her Portland studio to be used there.

Broadfoot has exhibited in Czechoslovakia and Japan, and throughout the United States, including in New York, Indiana, Ohio and Oregon. In addition to many other accolades throughout her long career, last year her sculpture in Lake Oswegos Gallery Without Walls received the Peoples Choice Award. Shes also recently been in the news for her sensitive restoration of a damaged statue of Abraham Lincoln housed at Portlands Lincoln High School. Her commissioned sculpture graces an extensive array of public spaces and religious institutions in places around the globe.

RiverSea Gallery is open daily at 1160 Commercial St. in historic, downtown Astoria. Call the gallery at 503-325-1270 or visit riverseagallery.com for more information.