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ABOUT 

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"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

BIOGRAPHY

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  Geoffrey C. Smith is an American wildlife sculptor, painter, and photographer. Geoffrey grew up in California and graduated from Montana State University. He currently resides in the coastal town of Stuart, Florida, and summers in Soldotna, Alaska. 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 Rise Above Lotus that 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, 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 mirror finish, smooth textured bronze, and brightly colored patinas to express this evolution.

  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 a lot of time amongst the abundant wildlife that inspires his works. In his later years, he summers in 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.  

  Geoffrey has been honored with commissions from the state of Montana and many private and corporate collections. His diverse artistic skill ranges 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 Presidental Libary, 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 the Art Of  Nature Foundation to leverage his voice and Art to act as a bridge between conservation and wildlife.

  He is a wonderful, internationally recognized Artist whose paintings and sculptures are beautiful, and aim to make a difference in the world.

 

Video of my process

Video of My Process

Publications

Publications

News

IN THE NEWS

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