Kudos to Susan Breedlove for her informative and beautifully written piece in the February Camden News on local sculptor and artist Rodger Brodin. I was delighted to find the article online from my new home in England … because I knew Rodger. I am a longtime friend of his wife Rosemary, sharing a passion for riding horses, experiencing many thrills and spills together over more than three decades. Including a few too many trips to the hospital! Our friendship has encompassed her marriage to Rodger, motherhood (all boys for us!) and, of course, that singularly painful Thanksgiving Day when Rodger left this world. Far far too early.
I married into a family with strong Scandinavian roots and we were enthusiastic members of the American Swedish Institute. On one particular visit, I was excited to find Rodger’s work displayed in the Turnblad Mansion; tickled pink to be able to say that I knew the artist. And not only did I know the artist, I was the proud owner of some of his work!
In contrast to some of Rodger’s better known public pieces, he produced a line of bronze faeries. Exquisite delicate things formed in various poses. I own three of those faeries (pictured), but sadly not the one cradling an Uzi! They have travelled with me back and forth across the Atlantic and are amongst my most prized and precious possessions. Rosemary and I are part of a close-knit group of riding friends. Many of us acquired one or more of Rodger’s faeries and I frequently regret not adding to my collection when I had the opportunity.
Rodger also made a line of beautiful tiles depicting the national and provincial flowers of Sweden. I have the Linnaea flower design dating from 1993. These tiles were the perfect gift for members of my new family, descendants themselves of Swedish immigrants, proud of their heritage.
I hope that this letter serves to add to Susan’s already excellent story honoring Rodger Brodin. His artistry will always hold a special place in my heart, evoking memories of deeply valued Minnesota friendships that endure to this day across many thousands of miles.
Carolyn Bastick,
Formerly of Folwell