Heather Söderberg-Greene
SCULPTURE STROLL FEATURE
14. Sacagawea
by Heather Söderberg-Greene
Sacagawea is a powerful bronze sculpture depicting the Native American guide and interpreter reaching forward with purpose and determination. Her body is shown in dynamic motion, one arm extended as if pointing the way ahead, the other protectively on her child, emphasizing her role as a guide and leader. Draped in traditional, flowing clothing, her figure conveys movement and resilience, with delicate details in the fabric’s texture and stitching. A small child rests securely on her back in a cradleboard, symbolizing both motherhood and the immense responsibility she carried during the Lewis and Clark expedition. Her expression is calm and focused, reflecting strength, endurance, and courage. The weathered patina adds a sense of history and timelessness to the piece, honoring her lasting impact on American history and Indigenous representation.
About the Artist
Heather Söderberg-Greene was a bright, beautiful and curious baby who from early on had a fascination with her father working in a Flagstaff, AZ bronze foundry. At a year old her father gave Heather some soft wax and hours later she had created a sculpture of what appeared to be 5 variations of the female form.By the age of 2, she sculpted over 100 pieces, which her father cast in bronze. At 3 she sold 30 sculptures at her first art show and was hired to sculpt her first commission, she was also showing her work in art galleries from Scottsdale, AZ to Houston, TX. Heather gained national and worldwide attention as a young sculpting prodigy when her story was featured by Paul Harvey, People Magazine, National Geographic World, and “That’s Incredible”.
Heather continued to progress as an artist and foundry woman and was hired for many public, private and Museum commissions throughout her childhood, teen and college years. Heather operated her own foundry, casting all of her own work. Heather had always had a secret desire to work in law enforcement, so she rebelled against art and earned a degree in Criminal Science and Psychology at Northern Arizona University. She planned to continue her education in the Coast Guard and moved to the Hawai’ian Islands to start her training and became a certified scuba diver. After 4 years and a near-death supernatural experience, Heather felt a deep pull to recommit her life to art. She moved to Portland, OR and worked as a welder at a local foundry. She eventually took over the foundry, becoming one of the first women to own and operate a full service bronze foundry. She expanded and moved the operation to beautiful Cascade Locks, Oregon in the Heart of the Columbia River Gorge, where she is currently sculpting the world’s largest bald eagle bronze statue. Heather sculpts alone and without assistants and she creates all of her statues by hand, without the use of any form of enlargement technology that is so prevalent in the art world now –
Artist statement:
As a bronze sculptor, I craft both monumental and intimate works, capturing the spirit of portraits and wildlife with a deep respect for traditional methods. My process is entirely hands-on. I sculpt every detail by hand, eschewing modern technologies like 3D printing or scanning in favor of the tactile connection between artist and medium. Using the lost wax casting method I maintain full control over each stage, from sculpting to welding and applying patinas. Having once owned a foundry and still working closely with and in it, I perform every aspect of production, ensuring my vision remains uncompromised. This independence allows me to complete each piece exactly as I envision it, free from external alterations or delays. My sculptures reflect not just form, but the authenticity and discipline of a craft honed through direct, unmediated creation..