Studio Life - An Artist Blog
Updated: Jul 24
About The Artist Blog
We offer a glimpse behind the curtain, featuring behind-the-scenes photographs of Geoffrey at work, a sculpture spotlight, and a personal message from Geoffrey reflecting on invasive species here in Florida. We would truly appreciate your feedback and welcome the opportunity to answer any questions about my artist blog.
Sincerely, ~The Gallery Team
Sculpture Spotlight
This week's sculpture is Flushing Snipe. A limited edition bronze sculpture, featuring two life-size Wilson's snipe taking flight. Measuring 12"l x 15"w x 27"h. The open wings display a sense of movement that makes it a natural conversation piece in both home and office settings.
These little plump birds are the most widespread shorebirds in the United States, often found in marshlands, along quiet shores, and across wet fields. The word "sniper" traces back to the 1770s, born from the challenge of hunting snipe. Their zigzag flight and speeds up to 60 mph make them notoriously difficult to track, let alone capture.
Studio News
We often joke that the studio is an "artistic mess." In reality, it is exactly that, and it has always been that way. If you have ever stopped to visit Geoffrey while he is working, you have witnessed this firsthand. The floors might be covered in dust from him carving away at styrofoam blocks to make heron armatures. His hands are almost always covered in clay from working on a new sculpture, and Band-Aids are in demand when he cuts himself with wires and mesh. There is a messy and whimsical magic about the process.
The photographs here reach back a few years, and yet nothing has changed. The studio is just as messy and whimsical as ever. There is an honesty to it all, with nothing staged or polished. It's just the quiet, persistent work of building something from nothing.
The photographs you find here are only a glimpse into his world. If you are looking for something wonderful to do in Stuart, Florida, please feel free to stop by the studio to say hello or bring a friend and see what he is working on now.
Having visitors stop by while Geoffrey is in the middle of a piece is always a special experience. There is something unique about sharing that raw creative energy, which is why the team loves keeping the doors open for anyone hoping to see live art creation in our Stuart gallery space, whether he is shaping a new clay armature or putting the final details on a wildlife model.
Notes From The Field
On a trip delivering a sculpture, Geoffrey made a stop at Green Cay Wetlands. This nature preserve covers over 100 acres and has a boardwalk to explore.
While taking photographs, he spotted a grey-headed swamphen (Porphyrio poliocephalus). These birds are not native to the United States. In the 1990s, a number of them escaped in South Florida near Pembroke Pines. Despite efforts to eradicate them, their numbers have increased to the point that they are now commonly seen throughout South Florida.
This is just one of many non-native species posing a threat to our habitats and native wildlife. Click here to learn more from the FWC.
How to Visit the Geoffrey C. Smith Artist Studio & Gallery in Stuart
If you are looking for a unique cultural experience in Stuart, Florida, visitors are welcome to experience the studio and gallery firsthand to see what Geoffrey is working on next.
Location & Directions: The gallery and working studio are located in the heart of Stuart. You can easily find us or plot your route directly via our Contact Page.
What You'll See: Guests can get a rare behind-the-scenes look at the raw clay armatures, styrofoam models, and the intricate steps of the bronze casting and patina process, alongside a gallery display of finished signature pieces like our iconic local shorebird and wildlife sculptures.
Planning Your Visit: To ensure the artist isn't out in the field tracking wildlife or delivering artwork, we recommend calling ahead or checking our updated gallery hours on our homepage before planning your trip.
