Bradley Cooley
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 became a lifelong calling. Blessed with a God-given talent for sculpture, Bradley has devoted nearly four decades to preserving history in bronze, with a particular passion for Native American history and the remarkable people whose stories have shaped our nation.
Recognized for his meticulous attention to historical accuracy and lifelike realism, Bradley specializes in creating life-size and monumental bronze sculptures that honor Native American leaders, American patriots, Founding Fathers, military heroes, pioneers, music legends, and other influential figures whose lives have left a lasting mark on our nation’s history and culture. Each piece is the result of extensive research, ensuring every sculpture captures not only the likeness of its subject but also the spirit, dignity, and legacy they leave behind.
Together, Bradley and his father created more than 40 life-size and monumental sculptures and over 70 tabletop works for private collectors, museums, Native American tribes, municipalities, and government projects. Today, Bradley’s sculptures can be found in museums and galleries throughout the United States and abroad, earning widespread recognition and numerous awards for excellence in bronze sculpture.
Bradley continues his father’s legacy with the same humility, integrity, and dedication to craftsmanship that have defined the Cooley name for generations. He and his wife, Jenny, live in Jefferson County along the Aucilla River, where they raised their two children, Marissa and Holden. Though honored by the recognition his work has received, Bradley considers his greatest achievement to be preserving history for future generations. He believes his artistic ability is a gift from God and views every sculpture as an opportunity to ensure that the stories, sacrifices, and accomplishments of others will never be forgotten.
In addition to sculpting, Bradley has spent years sharing his knowledge with others through teaching 3D art, mentoring aspiring artists, and leading workshops and studio seminars. His passion for preserving history extends beyond his own work, inspiring others to appreciate both the artistic process and the importance of remembering those who came before us.
Every sculpture begins with extensive historical research, reference photography, and preliminary sketches before evolving into a three-dimensional work of art. Bradley constructs a steel armature wrapped in wire mesh before carefully sculpting each figure in Roma Plastilina clay. Months are spent refining anatomy, expression, clothing, and countless historical details until every element faithfully represents the subject.
Depending on the scale and complexity, a sculpture can take anywhere from four months to more than a year to complete, followed by the foundry work of bronze casting, chasing, patination, and finishing. Throughout the process, Bradley works closely with families, historians, organizations and clients to ensure each bronze tells an authentic and lasting story.
For Bradley Cooley, bronze is more than an artistic medium—it is a way to preserve history for generations to come. Every sculpture reflects his lifelong commitment to honoring Native American heritage, preserving American history, celebrating music legends and cultural icons, and using the God-given talent entrusted to him to create enduring works that educate, inspire, and stand as lasting tributes.
“It was a pleasure to work with Mr. Cooley; he demonstrated the utmost professionalism and flexibility. Mr. Cooley took a deliberate, intentional approach to every detail – from the armature, to the modeling clay, and the final mold. His meticulous approach required manual dexterity and a critical interpretive eye.”
Tatiana Daguillard
Project Manager – History & Culture Trail
BluePrint Intergovernmental Agency
“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