Artist who designed and produced Golden Gecko Sculpture passes away aged 80 years old
| Date: | Tuesday, 07 March 2023 |
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The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) would like to pay tribute to George Kosturkov – the talented artist responsible for the iconic Golden Gecko Sculpture – who sadly passed away last year.
Mr Kosturkov was born in 1942 in a small town in Bulgaria. He immigrated to Western Australia in 1968, establishing himself as a renowned sculptor, and designing unique artworks in bronze, aluminium, copper and stainless steel.
Mr Kosturkov exhibited his works locally, interstate and overseas, and designed and produced artworks for a number of high-profile State and national awards.
Recipients of the Golden Gecko Award have been honoured with one of his sculptures since 1997. Each year, a new gecko would be hand carved in polystyrene and cast in bronze, meaning no two Golden Gecko Awards were ever the same.
The sculptures were such a source of pride that award recipients often asked Mr Kosturkov to make them additional pieces so they could display them around their Western Australian operations.
It was always a highlight of the annual awards ceremony, hosting Mr Kosturkov as an honoured guest. The 2022 Ceremony was his last outing before he passed away two days later.
DMIRS is grateful for our long-standing partnership with Mr Kosturkov and is honoured to have had his creative talents associated to the Golden Gecko Awards.
