Preliminary identification

Gil Sanchez 'Light Flying' Epoxy and Mixed Media Sea Turtle Sculpture

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

A dynamic, multi-layered epoxy resin and mixed-media sculpture depicting a sea turtle gliding effortlessly over a cresting ocean wave. Titled 'Light Flying', this piece captures the fluid motion and translucent beauty of marine life through a complex combination of casting, hand-painting, and sculptural modeling.

Story

Florida artist Gil Sanchez captures the weightless grace of sea turtles. This piece was exhibited at Sanibel Island's BIG ARTS center, celebrating the delicate barrier island ecosystems that these ancient mariners call home.

Maker / Origin

Gil Sanchez is a Florida-based artist known for his highly detailed, fluid resin and epoxy sculptures that focus on marine life. Exhibiting at prestigious local venues like BIG ARTS (Barrier Island Group for the Arts) on Sanibel Island, his work is highly collected by coastal art enthusiasts who appreciate his ability to capture the light-refracting qualities of water and aquatic creatures.

Condition & Value

The sculpture appears to be in excellent original gallery condition with no visible yellowing of the resin, chips, or fractures in the delicate wave crests. Keeping it out of direct UV sunlight is critical to preserving the clarity of the epoxy and the vibrancy of the pigments.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.