Born in 1970, Florida native Bradley Cooley discovered his passion for sculpting at just 15 years old while working alongside his father, the late Bradley Cooley, Sr. What began as a shared interest quickly grew into a lifelong pursuit. Together, the father-and-son team created more than 40 life-size and monumental sculptures and over 70 tabletop pieces for private collectors and government projects. Today, Cooley’s work can be found in more than 15 museums and galleries across the United States and abroad, earning widespread recognition and numerous awards over the years.
Bradley continues this legacy with the same dedication and love for the craft that he and his father shared. He and his wife, Jenny, live in Jefferson County along the Aucilla River, where they raised their two children, Marissa and Holden. Despite his many accomplishments, Bradley remains humble, focusing not on accolades but on the stories his work tells. Over nearly four decades of sculpting, he has also found joy in sharing his knowledge—teaching 3D art, mentoring young artists, and leading workshops and studio seminars for students throughout the community.
Each sculpture begins with an idea—often captured first in sketches or photographs—and is carefully developed into a three-dimensional form. Bradley builds a strong metal armature wrapped in wire mesh, then begins layering pliable Roma Plastilina clay to shape the figure.
The early stages focus on form and proportion, while the later stages demand painstaking attention to detail, often requiring months of refinement. Depending on the scale, a sculpture can take anywhere from six months to a year to complete, with an additional four months for molding and bronze casting.
For Bradley, the process is deeply collaborative. When creating portraits or memorials, he works closely with the individual or their family to ensure the spirit of the subject is captured in every detail. Once a sculpture has been molded and cast, the clay is removed and saved, ready to begin the cycle of creation again.
With nearly 40 years of experience, Bradley Cooley has become a respected master of bronze sculpture. His works stand not only as artistic achievements but as a lasting tribute to the people and stories they represent—an enduring legacy shaped by family, community, and a lifelong devotion to the craft.
“Sculpting is a craft that takes a lot of hard work and dedication. You do get faster over time and learn anatomy better, but I do not think you ever master the art of sculpting. I am constantly learning.”
-Bradley Cooley