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Animal sculptures

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Education:

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ABOUT

SOFIE

GECKLER

Biography:

Canadian born with Swiss origin, I became a US citizen in 1995. I started working in the visual/sonar arts at a young age. Glass sculpting/Sulphides (cameo incrustation) were my introduction to the arts. I worked for Peter Collins Designs Studio in Montreal Canada for nearly 7 years. During that period, I also learned carpentry, wood restoration, and ornamental arts. Later I studied faux finish, wallpapers, and design.

When I came to the United States, I became an apprentice for Tony Lopez at Tony Lopez Studio in Miami Florida. I became adept at mold making, bronze sculpting techniques, working with resins, and Patina technique. I worked with clay, plaster, and plasticine. After a few months I became Tony Lopez’s assistant and administrative manager. This wonderful experience lasted 12 years. Tony was 72 years old when I started, he was 84 when I left the Studio. He was my mentor, like a father, and acted like a grandfather to my son.

With my carpentry/administration experience, I worked in property management the following 6 1/2 years. I kept on sculpting/painting throughout those years.

I experimented with new mediums and started creating programs teaching arts to the young and the old. I also used animals, nature, and arts to teach forgiveness and compassion to underserved children in the Little Haiti/Lemon City community of Miami.

I became passionate about collage and recycling arts. I started teaching various programs for people with Dementia/Alzheimer’s disease. For 7 years I worked at the Miami Jewish Home and Hospital for the Aged in the special care unit with my therapy dog Milo. This gave me fulfillment and success. During that time, I became a beekeeper and received a beekeeper certificate from the University of Florida's entomology department. I traveled internationally doing beekeeping missions.

Today I am involved in all facets of the arts from music to visual arts. I have a background in music and theater as well. After getting my degree I also completed course work in gerontology and engineering (fiber optics). I believe in the practice of continuous learning. My recent awards include: Growing With The Arts, 2nd place (2017 Eastern Florida State College art show); 3D art category, 2nd place ( 2023 ArtWorks Eau Gallie Arts Festival); The Demonstrator's Awards, 1st place (2023 ArtWorks Eau Gallie Art Festival).

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