Biography

Born in California in 1971, Jeff Gottfried developed an early interest in art and nature. A school teacher by trade, graduating from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX, with a Master's degree in education, Gottfried gave it up to follow his dream to be an artist. In the time that he has been sculpting professionally, his success as an artist has increased steadily. Gottfried has found success selling speculative works both privately and in galleries.

Jeff has also completed several commissioned pieces, including a 25% larger than life size grouping (7.5 feet tall) for Huguley Memorial Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, depicting Jesus standing behind a doctor and mother holding her small child. He has most recently completed a life-size sculpture of Jesus the Good Shepherd for the Good Shepherd Catholic Community Church in Colleyville, Texas.

Recently Jeff has won several awards for his work, the most prestigious of which is the 2007 Cowboy Artists of America Founder's Award for Emerging Artist at the Phippen Show in Prescott, Arizona.

Jeff still uses his teaching skills to teach an ongoing sculpture class near his home in Cleburne, Texas, as well as workshops at the Museum of Western Art in Kerrville, Texas.

The American West is a very important influence on Jeff's art. Jeff and his wife, Loren, live on ten acres outside of Cleburne, Texas. They enjoy a country lifestyle, owning several horses, dogs, cats, and even a goat.

The most exciting event in Jeff and Loren's private life is the recent arrival of their first child, Clayton, in January, 2006.