Public Art from the Heart

A huge crowd of well wishers attended the dedication of two new art installations above Diver’s Cove at the north end of Heisler Park. Blacksmith Artist, Casey Parlette, a full-time Laguna Beach Lifeguard and proud new father was honored with the task of creating these sculptures for a city he loves.

The generous, collaborative efforts from the Ostensen and Olenicoff families to memorialize the lives of Natalia’s brother Andrei Olenicoff and Derek’s grandfather William Wickett (aka Baba) made this project a reality. Since Casey works as a city employee he’s disqualified from entering Laguna art competitions however, in this case, the families commissioned Casey and donated the pieces to the city after approval by the City Arts Commission.

“Tide Pool Kraken” references an ancient mariner tale. A Kraken is a giant octopus/squid said to come up and take down ships. The bronze octopus was Blacksmith forged to create a realistic texture. The tentacles are bronze rods hammered down and bent to fit to the rock and the suction cups are individual bronze washers hammered, shaped and welded.

The bench, “Strand of Life”, is completely carved in limestone and soft to the touch. The ripples mimic the sea floor and feature a carved Halibut and three bronze Abalone for additional beauty. The back of the bench features bronze kelp as a metaphor for a family tree connecting generations in the same way that kelp connects the elements of this sculpture. With both sculptures Casey wanted to strive to celebrate the ecology in this area. It took him approx. six months to complete both pieces but it was a year from concept to installation.

Mayor Toni Iseman aptly commented how these sculptures represented both science and art and how important it is to encourage artistic endeavors for the city.

Derek and Natalia Ostensen’s desire to memorialize Andrei and William at this particular location was a way to highlight their adventurous, dynamic and compassionate spirits who shared a profound love for the ocean’s wonders. After the ceremony was over a Picnic Beach reception followed and was enjoyed by all.