In Memory
Sculptor Cheryl Ekstrom Dies
Cheryl Ekstrom in her Laguna Canyon Studio.
One of Laguna Beach’s most original creative forces, artist Cheryl Ekstrom, died Saturday, June 13, 2015, at UC Irvine Medical Center due to complications from cancer treatment begun just months earlier. She was 71.
Friends say she was diagnosed with liver cancer earlier this year. In April, Ekstrom dazzled the local art community at the annual Art Star awards with her latest work, “Setting Forth.” It combined her talent for juxtaposing objects and infusing them with meaning. For the installation, Ekstrom created a small fleet of sculptural boats, each a testimonial to journeys by different cultures from different eras.
Ekstrom at work in her studio.
Now, that work somehow seems prophetic with the artist only weeks later casting off on her own final journey.
Ekstrom is survived by her son, Brian Bodenhamer, and daughter, Heather Bodenhamer Lee, and son-in-law, Bobby Lee. Her husband, Dennis Ekstrom, was also an artist who died in 2011 on their shared birthday, Oct. 13.
A celebration of Ekstrom’s life is planned in her former Laguna Beach studio, 2135 Laguna Canyon Road, on Sunday, June 28, from 6 to 9 p.m.
“Cheryl was a remarkable artist who was keenly aware of her own voice. Many of her sculptural figures are a complex depiction of bodies that are at once fearless warriors and delicate forms. This tension or balance between extreme resilience and raw fragility carries through in almost all of her work. In her assemblage sculptures, each object seems to be a meditation on its distinct value while working them into the larger make-up, of her pieces. In this way, these particular works feel shrouded in a sense of mythology and history as the sculptures also become literal offerings of herself,” said Grace Kook Anderson, the former Laguna Art Museum curator, who included Ekstrom’s work in museum exhibitions in 2010 and 2013.
“Cheryl engaged with some of the oldest themes in sculpture–myth, and metamorphosis–and managed to make them contemporary, even personal. The sheer range of materials and techniques she mastered was remarkable, especially given that she came to sculpture relatively late in life. A huge credit to Laguna Beach’s art community, she will be much missed by all of us who knew her,” said Malcolm Warner, executive director
of the Laguna Art Museum.
Carol Stewart (Mitchell)
I am so sorry to hear about Cheryl's passing. I remember all the dances our group went to together. Cheryl always had some cute guys asking her to dance or taking her home. The last reunioin she looked great and California seemed to compliment Cheryl and she seemed happy. So sorry to say good bye to another class mate.
Joyce Thompson (Herron)
So sorry to hear about Cheryl, her last posting she looked beautiful. I had no idea she was ill, once again I am very sorry.Kaye Webb (Elder)
I am also so sorry to hear of Cheryl's passing. She was always such a vivacious person and fun to be around. It would have been great to see some of her art work. She will be missed by all who knew her but, her spirit lives on through her art!
Robert Contino
Sorry to hear about Cheryl passing, my prayers are for her and her family.
Susan Starr (Williamson)
This is a great loss, not only to the art world where she was respected as a very talented sculptor but to her freinds and family as well. Had no idea she was ill. She and I had so much fun at BFHS.
Suzi Starr Williamson
Martha Dean (Hoegle)
Cheryl's family home and mine were a short distance from each other and the memories of her go back a long way with me. She was always full of life and pleasant to be around. She communicated with me at various times through the years and I always enjoyed her postings on facebook. The last time I saw her was at the Beaver Falls High School 50th reunion at which time we shared some wonderful time together. She always was upbeat and looked great. Recently I noticed that I was not hearing from her, but I did not connect it with an illness, I just assumed that she was busy with her art projects. I know she loved California. My sympathy to her family, children, friends and coworkers.
Yvonne Allen (Allison)
I too join my classmates and pay tribute to our talented and beautiful friend, Cheryl. So many happy memories of her. RIP...
Yvonne
Delores Chiodo (Miller)
Cheryl will be missed by all who knew her. Her life will continue through her beautiful art. I have so many wonderful memories from high school until her passing. I am thankful to say she was my friend all these years. She was so full of life until the very end. Not only did she look so young she had a young spirit. Even after she was diagnosed in February with cancer, her spirits were always upbeat. She was the strongest person I knew. I will always miss her. R.I.P dear friend.
Peggy Collins (Brown)
I am so sorry to hear that Cheryl has passed. Too many of our classmates have left us too soon. Sincerely Peggy Collins Brown.
Diana Bonomo (Adamo)
I live in the same area as Cheryl did, and always thought there would be time to reconnect in person with her. A good lesson there.
I thought I would share with everyone a message from a friend of mine who lives and is very active in Laguna Beach.
"Hi Diana, I knew her from afar and really admired her art. Her work was truly special. She was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer sometime in April. So, it happened quick. Here is a wonderful video about her and her work. xxoo"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6klidKp2iU&feature=share