Stuart, Florida, has long been called the “Sailfish Capital of the World.” With its close proximity to the Gulf Stream and steady supply of sailfish pouring through the area, the name is fitting. To celebrate the town’s love of sailfish, marine artist Geoffrey Smith created an 18-foot-tall sculpture of a leaping sailfish that rests atop a fountain in the center of town. The Stuart Sailfish has become an icon of sorts for visitors and locals, as well as Smith’s best-known work of art. “It seemed like a good way for me to give something back to Stuart, to a community that’s been good to me and my family,” Smith says. Raised in California, Smith attended college in Montana and eventually made the move to Florida. 

Smith was always drawn to the outdoors. As a boy, he’d carve duck decoys, but his path to becoming a full-time artist is unique. When you speak to Smith, you can see his face light up as he discusses the migrations of birds or the motion of a swimming fish. He’s a naturalist who spends most mornings paddling the local waters, finding inspiration all around him. In this podcast, Smith discusses his approach to sculpture and painting. He also explains the ancient process known as lost wax casting that he uses to create his sculptures. To see more of his work, visit geoffreycsmith.com.

Artist Geoffrey Smith works out of his studio in Stuart, Florida.