For Chris Navarro, art isn't just a career, it's a way of life built on passion, perseverance, and an unbreakable connection to the West. Raised in a military family, he learned early on the value of hard work and resilience, qualities that would later define his journey as a renowned sculptor. From his early days as a bull rider to creating monumental bronze sculptures that capture the essence of Western heritage, Navarro's story is one of grit, determination, and unwavering belief in his craft. In this exclusive interview, he shares the experiences that shaped him, his artistic evolution, and the inspiration behind the sculptures that now stand as timeless tributes to the spirit of the Modern American West.

Krysta: Can you tell our audience more about yourself?

Chris: I grew up in a military family, moving between airbases in the U.S. and Europe. My father, a dedicated Air Force officer, served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, while my mother, who was orphaned at just five years old, became the backbone of our family. Married at a young age, she raised five children-my brothers Rick, Mark, Herbert, my sister Eve, and me. -Many times, on her own when my father was deployed for months at a time. Her strength and determination shaped me in ways I did not fully understand until much later. My brothers followed in my father's footsteps and became military aviators. I started flying at 19, but my first love was always horses. At 12, I got my first horse, joined 4-H, and began showing horses in halter, pleasure, and gymkhana competitions. By 16, I was riding bareback broncs and bulls in rodeos, embracing the thrill and challenge of the sport. Rodeo and bull riding for 5 years and my son JC rode bulls professionally in the PBR. The thing about bull riding is it is not if you are going to get hurt but when and how bad. Bull riders are gamblers and adrenaline junkies. The big problem is if you want to play you have to use your health for chips. People who have never ridden bulls ask, what is the reason for competing in such a dangerous sport? I tell them that anytime you mix adrenalin with joy it becomes an addictive cocktail, and you always want to come back for another taste, always chasing that rush of the next ride. This passion carried into my art. My first sculpture in 1980, Spinning and Winning, depicted a bull rider. Years later, my first public monument was a 15-foot bronze bull rider of World Champion Lane Frost who lost his life competing at Cheyenne Frontier Days. Creating art and riding bulls share a common thread-both demand heart, soul, and commitment. Riding bulls and creating art are similar in nature. To give your very best you must put your heart and soul into it. I tell others being a bull rider was great training for being a professional artist. They always ask how is that? I explain the three things you need to be a good bull rider: confidence, belief, and ignorance. Those are the same exact things you need to make it as an artist. The real reason for my success is I have a PhD in art. I was poor, hungry, and determined, while I did not have much going for me when I started sculpting, no money or formal art training. However, I did have a belief that what I lacked in talent and knowledge I could make up with effort and determination. There are many things in our lives we have little or no control over. The things we do have control over are our time and energy.

How did you find your way into sculpting rather than another medium?

It was 1979 and I was 23 years old. My friend Sy Gilland and I were out hunting and decided to visit his cousin, who was a caretaker for Wyoming sculptor Harry Jackson's studio in Lost Cabin, Wyoming. Walking into Jackson's home and studio, I had no idea that my life was about to change. There it was, Two Champs, a bronze sculpture that instantly captured my attention. It depicted a cowboy riding the famous Wyoming bucking horse, Steamboat. Looking at this magnificent bronze, with its raw power and beauty, I felt compelled to touch it. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I wanted to have it. I asked how much the sculpture was, it was $35,000. "Wow, I could never afford that! But maybe I could make my own." The very next day, I visited Goedicke's Art Supply store in Casper, Wy. I told the owner that I wanted to make a bronze sculpture and asked if he would sell me the supplies I needed to get started. I put all the materials in my truck and drove to the Natrona County Library, where I asked the librarian if she would show me all the books she had on sculpting. With books and sculpting supplies in hand, I drove back to my trailer house and started creating my first sculpture. My first bronze sculpture was going to be about bull riding, something I had knowledge and passion for. I studied the library books, and I began creating my first sculpture. Most of my learning came from the school of, "I didn't know any better, trial-and error" method. It was an extremely slow process. I worked on weekends and nights, and it seemed to take forever. I had two weeks of paid vacation per year, so I took one week off to devote all my attention and time to getting it done. My buddies at my oilfield job thought I was crazy to spend my vacation time alone, in my trailer house, working on a sculpture. But I had a burning desire to finish this sculpture, and somehow, I knew that it would change my life. I finally completed the sculpture, which I titled Spinning and Winning. The next step was to get it cast in bronze. I had heard of a lost wax bronze-casting foundry in Cody, Wyoming. I drove up to Cody and they informed me it would cost $1,000 to cast my first sculpture! I had no idea it was going to be that expensive, but I was committed and used my savings to get it done. That sculpture did change my life. Remember every expert was once a beginner. Do not be afraid to follow your dreams. So, embrace the struggle and go out there and make a living doing something you have a passion and love for. Life is too short, not too.

What does your creative process look like from start to finish after you have decided in front of you?

It is a waste of time to worry about the amount of talent you have or do not have. I have never put limitations on my mediums or subject matter. I am known mostly as a monumental sculptor. When I first start, I will make a small clay sketch of my initial idea and work out my composition and design along with the story I want to tell. I will then decide on what scale I will work on basing everything on the head length of the figure I am working on. I will then use a model for posing and reference to my design. When I am finished with my clay original, I will then begin the molding process to get it ready for bronze casting.

You work in western, wildlife, and Native American-inspired art, how or where do you find inspiration for each piece?

I have a passion and knowledge of Western art because I have been a horseman and cowboy most of my life. I also create drawings, paintings, photography, videos, and books. The most important thing is to be excited and challenged by what you are working on. I do not believe you can be great at something unless you really love it and love is an emotion you cannot fake. I have always tried to follow my instincts, listen to my gut, and create art that excites me!

What message do you hope to send with your art?

When others look at my life's work, I hope they are inspired to believe in their dreams and live life with determination. My advice is to never give up and not take no for an answer. Believe in yourself when no one else does. Do not be afraid of failure or being knocked down. Just keep getting up and do the best you can with what you have. With work, you can always make your talent and knowledge grow. Desire, determination, and dedication are the ingredients of success in any field. To be successful at something you care about is a matter of being someone who does not quit and that ability is available to everyone. You never really know what you can do until you try. Remember you create your reality and every expert in any field was once a beginner. You cannot let the fear of the unknown keep you from following your dreams. Do not be afraid to embrace the struggles in life. The creation of bronze sculptures is extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive. I find the labor gives me great satisfaction. All artists hope to live on in their work. Knowing my work will be standing in the sun long after I am gone for future generations to experience and enjoy is extremely rewarding. Sculpting is what I do for a living, and I do not ever plan on retiring. I have found something I really love and have a passion for. I hope others can see