
ABOUT
"Art is important. It was man's first form of lasting communication. I am compelled to tell the story of the wild, to connect people to nature and the environment through Art".
-Geoffrey C. Smith
Biography

Geoffrey C. Smith is an acclaimed American wildlife sculptor, painter, and photographer. His work is dedicated to capturing the beauty and spirit of the natural world. Known for his signature bronze sculptures and expressive oil paintings, Smith has built a legacy rooted in craftsmanship, conservation, and reverence for nature.
His best-known work is that of The Stuart Sailfish. The 18-foot monument situated in downtown Stuart serves as the iconic symbol of the city and The Rise Above Lotus, which was gifted to Pope Francis by the President of the United States during a gift exchange.
Often compared to John James Audubon for the size and scope of his collection. Geoffrey has been characterized as a Representational Sculptor and a Fauvist Fine Art Painter, although stylistically, he may be viewed as a naturalist. His signature artistic style can be deemed “loose”, wherein the subjects of his work are represented by basic elements such as fingerprints suggesting feathers or fur. All of his bronzes are crafted into masterpieces by investment casting using the ancient lost-wax casting process, whereby an original sculpture is made of clay. After that, a mold is made from the original, from which the foundry creates an enduring bronze sculpture. Geoffrey prefers smaller, limited editions. He proofs each work personally before they are signed and numbered. Geoffrey uses a traditional patina finishing process on many of his bronze sculptures, choosing to represent the animal as nature has seen fit to create it, but in more recent years, his sculptures have become more contemporary as his art has evolved, sometimes using stainless steel with a mirror finish, smooth textured bronze, and brightly colored patinas to express this evolution.
As a child, Smith was mentored in the art of carving wood by his grandfather. After early success as a duck decoy carver, Geoffrey began casting bronzes from clay in 1984. His upbringing on the northern California coast and later experiences in the wilds of Montana instilled a love of nature and a talent for patient observation of wildlife in its habitat. Since moving to Florida in 1996 with his family, he has spent much time amongst the abundant wildlife that inspires his works. In his later years, he summers in South-Central Alaska. He frequently returns to Colorado to collaborate with his foundry. As their primary artist, Smith can work hands-on at the foundry to ensure the highest consistency and quality for his sculptures.
Geoffrey is primarily a sculptor, and his paintings follow suit. He mixes fine wax and oil paint, then uses a palette knife to sculpt the painting, giving his work a distinctive, deeply dimensional feeling, displaying large strokes and layers of texture. Many of his prized paintings are created in large museum-sized works.
Geoffrey has been honored with many prized public and private commissions and can be found in important private and corporate collections and in museums. His diverse artistic skills range from creating smaller pieces to capture a favorite animal’s detailed characteristics to producing larger-than-life monumental works. He has been nominated to the Florida Artists Hall of Fame three times. His bronze sculptures are in the Permanent Collection at The Vatican, President George Bush Presidential Library, The Governor of the State of Florida Art Collection, Vice-President Dan Quayle, state officials, the James Museum, And Presented to foreign dignitaries by the US Department of State. He is a member of the prestigious Society of Animal Artists. In addition to having two Signature Galleries, Geoffrey is represented by fine art galleries throughout the United States. He regularly exhibits at fine art shows, including the Annual Society of Animal Artists exhibition, where he received the Merit Award for his Modern Pelican sculpture. He was designated the official Sculptor for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
Geoffrey is a Conservationist and lover of nature. Much of his time, talent, and treasure goes toward supporting charities that foster his ideals. In 2023, he created a charity, The Art of Nature, to leverage his Voice and Art and to act as a bridge between conservation and wildlife.
Today, Smith splits his time between Stuart, Florida and Soldotna, Alaska, drawing inspiration from the wildlife and landscapes that surround him. Through his art and charity, he aims to leave behind a legacy of love, respect for the environment, and a lasting connection between people and nature. He is a wonderful, internationally recognized Artist whose paintings and sculptures are beautiful, and aim to make a difference in the world.


