Every child is an artist. We began life with unlimited potential

Every child is an artist. We began life with unlimited potential. If you want to see a group of artists get a bunch of four-year-olds together, give them some crayons and paper. Then sit back and watch them create art. Every one of them is an artist at that age because they don’t have any fears or pre-conceived concepts of what art is. They know what fun is and they enjoy it for the simple pure pleasure of doing it. Unfortunately when they get older they stop creating art for the fun of it and worry too much about what others think. They lose their sense of play and when that happens they lose their ability to make art for the pure joy and fun of it. Early in life you seek the approval of others to validate what you are doing. As I have grown older I realized the most important approval is my own.

I do not believe you are born with a limited amount of talent or knowledge.

I do not believe you are born with a limited amount of talent or knowledge. Talent and knowledge can both be grown it is not a finite source. I have never let my lack of talent or knowledge keep me from attempting to do something I have a passion for. You must remember that every expert was a beginner at some time in their life.

''SAINT ANTHONY'S JOY'' If you believe in your heart that other people are like yourself than you hold the key to making art that matters.

''SAINT ANTHONY'S JOY''
If you believe in your heart that other people are like yourself than you hold the key to making art that matters. 

I have decided to begin to write my second book. ''CHASING THE WIND'' was my first.

I have decided to begin to write my second book. ''CHASING THE WIND'' was my first. I find writing to be difficult. However the only way to get it done is by writing one word after another. It is a lot like making a monumental sculpture. Just break it down into smaller steps and you can finish it. I wrote the first 16 pages and this is my opening first page rough draft.

''EMBRACE THE STRUGGLE '' by Chris Navarro
‘’I know what it is like to have a dream and you are the only one who can see it.’’
This is not a book about ideology and theory. It is a philosophy about performance taking action and making things happen. It is about getting things done.
I do not claim to know all the answers but what I have learned I will gladly share with those who wish to make a similar journey. I like to celebrate March 13, 1986 as the anniversary date I quit my steady paycheck and corporate oilfield job to pursue my dream of being a professional sculptor. My son JC was nine months old and my wife Lynne was pregnant with our daughter Natalie. Everyone told me it was the wrong decision. However there are times in life when you have to make a stand and turn your dreams into reality. If you really want something bad enough you have to make the effort and be willing to take a risk. I knew in my heart and trusted my gut that I could make it. I wanted to make a living doing something I had a love and passion for. I did not want to live my life just showing up for a pay stub at the end of the week.
Having been a professional artist for over 30 years I have decided to share my thoughts on the things that have helped me on this journey of making a living doing what I love. I know there are no overnights successes in the art world. It is a myth that as an artist if you will just be discovered by the right gallery or art agent they will pave the way to artistic success. Building your art career is a lifelong struggle. If you want to be great at something there are no secrets. It is only accomplished through dedication hard work and a love for what you are doing. Love is an emotion you can't fake and you cannot be great at anything without loving it.
You never know what you can do until you try. So do not be afraid to embrace the struggles in life. Go out there and make a living doing something you have a passion and love for. Life is too short not to!

chrisnavarro.com

''VISION QUEST OF THE SUNDANCE''

''VISION QUEST OF THE SUNDANCE'' This is a dramatic suspended Sundance. George Catlin painted this Native American ritual back in the 1800's. I wanted to capture the power of this in bronze. Working from life and using models is always the best way to capture the essence of a subject. I hired a model and built a harness to suspend him from the ceiling.

The bull I used in the CHAMPION LANE FROST monument.

I have been asked what bull I used in the CHAMPION LANE FROST monument.The bull was Rudy Vela's when I was at Cheyenne Frontier Days I went through all the bull pens and he was the biggest baddest looking bull there. He had lots of hump and horns. He was really big and around 20000 lbs . His name was the Dark Side. They ran him in the chutes for me and I spent a lot of time taking measurements with calipers and photos of him getting reference for my sculpture. I told the contractor Vela for all his help I would put his brand on the bronze bull in the memorial.He was a beautiful bull and he had some attitude!

THE HUMAN FIGURE SCULPTURE 3 DAY WORKSHOP

  

This photo is from the first sculpting workshop I taught in Taos NM on the horse 20 years ago. I will be teaching one in Casper WY on the Human figure. If you are interested give us a call hope to see you there! 

THE HUMAN FIGURE SCULPTURE 3 DAY WORKSHOP August 10, 11, 12, 2016 Limit 12 Students

Location ART 321     321 W Midwest Ave, Casper, WY 82601    (307) 265-2655   tuition $450.

tony@art321.org   www.casperartguild.org  

 We will study armature construction, anatomical proportion, composition, design and gesture.  Working with oil base clay and using live models we will look for that hidden spark that brings the essence of life into our work. THE INSTRUCTOR: Chris Navarro national award winning artist has been sculpting professionally for 30 years. In the world of art he is best known for his large bronze sculptures. His work is placed in 8 Museums with over 29 monumental sculptures located throughout the country.  To view his work www.chrisnavarro.com  cnavarroart.com   (307)-259-7305       chrisnavarrostudio@gmail.com                                                                                                   

''CHAMPION LANE FROST'' bronze H-38'' is on its way to The Bull Riding Hall of Fame

''CHAMPION LANE FROST'' bronze H-38'' is on its way to The Bull Riding Hall of Fame at the Cowtown Coliseum at the Fort Worth Stockyards. It will be an honor to have my sculpture of Lane at the Hall. He was a great rider and ambassador for the sport. Bull riding has played a big part in my life and my son JC. It is amazing to see how much the sport has grown over the years. When bull riding gets in your blood it stays with you

I will be teaching a sculpture workshop in Casper Aug 10-12 it will be fun!

I will be teaching a sculpture workshop in Casper Aug 10-12 it will be fun!

The Wyoming Arts Council announced they will be awarding the 2016 Governor's Art Award to Casper Wyoming bronze sculptor Chris Navarro

The Wyoming Arts Council announced they will be awarding the 2016 Governor's Art Award to Casper Wyoming bronze sculptor Chris Navarro. Navarro is being recognized for his excellence in the arts and the outstanding service to the arts in Wyoming 
‘’It is a great honor to be selected and recognized by the Wyoming Arts Council. I have been blessed with a great passion. I really love what I do and hope others see that through the works I have created. When you love what you are doing the real reward is in the experience of doing it. One of the best things in working with bronze it is such a strong, durable, and permanent medium. In the end it is not about how many years you lived in this world but what you leave behind that truly matters. All artist want to live on in their work. Knowing my work will be standing in the sun long after I’m gone for future generations to experience and enjoy is extremely rewarding.’’ I have enclosed images of a few of my Wyoming monuments.Thanks

'CLIMB AS HIGH AS YOUR DREAMS'' bronze height 9'

'CLIMB AS HIGH AS YOUR DREAMS'' bronze height 9'
Your thoughts determine your reality. The only limitation you’ll ever have is the limitations of your own thinking. Don’t over think it just go out and make art. The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength or knowledge rather it is a lack of will. If you really want to do something bad enough you will find a way. If you don’t you will find an excuse. 

Made it back to my Sedona Studio this is a sunset out my front door. Sedona is such a beautiful place we have owned Navarro Gallery and Sculpture Garden located at Tlaquepaque Arts Village now for over 15 years. If you are in the area please stop by and visit our Gallery

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone hope your turkey doesn't ''TASTE LIKE CHICKEN'' have a great day!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone hope your turkey doesn't ''TASTE LIKE CHICKEN'' have a great day!

Jackpot team roping at Central Wyoming Fairgrounds

Jackpot team roping at Central Wyoming Fairgrounds 6pm tomorrow night. I will be donating two custom WYOMING COWBOY bolos to the winners. You can't win unless you enter. Hope to see you tomorrow!

It feels good to finish another project this is my 29th monument.

''WILD SONG'' monumental sculpture for Cal State is finished and will be cast in Bronze. Now I will cut it up for making the molds. It feels good to finish another project this is my 29th monument. chrisnavarro.com

Finished the body today on my monumental sculpture ''WILD SONG''for Cal State.

Finished the body today on my monumental sculpture ''WILD SONG''for Cal State. He is big enough to throw a saddle on and take for a ride. Now to finish the base and then on to the next one. 

Finished the head today on my monumental sculpture ''WILD SONG''for Cal State the end is in sight!

Finished the head today on my monumental sculpture ''WILD SONG''for Cal State the end is in sight! 

Bears have a sense of humor and I like to use it in my sculpture!

Bears have a sense of humor and I like to use it in my sculpture!

One man show at the Nicolaysen Art Museum May 27-August 14, 2016 Casper, WY

I will be having a one man show at the Nicolaysen Art Museum May 27-August 14, 2016 Casper, WY. I will have over 80 works on display that will span my 37 years as a bronze artist. It is 6 months out and I will need it to get all the work together. Hope to see you there. chrisnavarro.com

I Will be teaching a sculpting workshop in Casper WY at ART321.

I Will be teaching a sculpting workshop in Casper WY at ART321. I Iike to teach but it has been over 5 years since I taught my last one and this is the first one in Casper.
Chris Navarro THE HUMAN FIGURE SCULPTURE 3 DAY WORKSHOP August 10, 11, 12, 2016 Limit 12 Students
Location ART 321 321 W Midwest Ave, Casper, WY 82601
(307) 265-2655 tuition $450.
tony@art321.org www.casperartguild.org www.chrisnavarro.com

It is important to remember every expert was a beginner at some time. So the most important thing to bring to this class is a hungry mind, the desire to sculpt and a positive attitude. We will study armature construction, anatomical proportion, composition, design and gesture. We will also look for that hidden spark that brings the essence of life into our own work. Working with oil base clay and using live models we will sculpt a male figure. On the last day of the workshop the class will be taken on a personal tour of ‘’EMBRACE THE STRUGGLE’’ The bronze art of Chris Navarro a one man show with over 50 bronze sculptures at the Nicolaysen Art Museum Casper WY.
Using live models will help us respond and interact more intensely with our subjects. You need to be inspired and excited by your subject to give the best that is within you. We will discuss many topics both the physical and mental challenges of being a sculptor, from creating monuments to working with foundries., the ins and outs of marketing and promoting your work, establishing relationships with galleries and everything in between. If what you create is real and if it’s done with genuine emotion there will always be others who will want to experience and relate to that power. Come to this workshop if you want to learn about sculpture be inspired to follow your passions. Because the most important things I have learned on this long road of discovery. Is that the journey is more important than the destination. Never let fears keep you from pursuing your dreams and do not let what you can’t do keep you from doing what you can do.

Where are these billionaire collectors?

''SPIRIT OF THE THUNDERBIRD'' bronze height 15 feet Casper College.
I read this article and my only question is. Where are these billionaire collectors? If you know of any send them my way!

Sculpture Gets Its Day in the Sun as Prices Rise BY GERALDINE FABRIKANT
Demand for contemporary work has fueled interest in sculpture and prices are rising. Museums and private collectors are adding gardens to accommodate the art.
The high demand for contemporary art has helped fuel the interest in sculpture. “People’s concept of art has expanded and much of contemporary art is configured in three dimensions,” said Simon Stock, senior international specialist at Sotheby’s in London. “It needs space.” The wealthy are rushing to amass sculptures, sometimes creating gardens to display their expanding collections. Museums too have been adding space — indoor and outdoor — to accommodate the large pieces.
Often these buyers begin with paintings, then move to bigger things. Joop van Caldenborgh, a Dutch collector of painting and photography, recalled thinking that he might like to have a sculpture for his garden outside The Hague. Then he began filling his large front yard with pieces. Today he has more than 60 works. “Billionaire types will have an estate and they see where the guys next door have a garden and then they want a garden and sculpture for it,” Mr. van Caldenborgh said. He plans to house some pieces in a museum he is building. Business may be the initial motivator. Mr. Besthoff had collected Photorealist works when he bought an office building with an Isamu Noguchi work in front of it and then became infatuated with sculpture. Mr. Ringnes bought a sculpture that he put in front of his Oslo office building. “I saw how fantastic it was,” he recalled. “People were having their pictures taken and everything. So I figured: Why not continue?” “But acquiring sculpture is complicated,” he said. “You need some place to enjoy the pieces. Painting is a millionaire’s game, but sculpture is a billionaire’s game because you need the space.

''AMERICAS PRIDE'' to honor all the veterans who serve and protect this great country.

''AMERICAS PRIDE'' to honor all the veterans who serve and protect this great country.My dad Lt. Col Herbert Navarro a veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.

Falcon mascot fly before the Air Force Army Game it was pretty cool to see how fast he was.

When I was at the Air Force Academy installing my bronze sculpture ''Bolt from the Blue'' I was able to meet and watch the Falcon mascot fly before the Air Force Army Game it was pretty cool to see how fast he was.
The Class of l959, the first to enter the Academy, chose the falcon as the mascot of the cadet wing. Believing that it best characterized the combat role of the U.S. Air Force. The falcon is powerful and graceful in flight and can attain speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour. Known for its aggressive fearlessness and courage it will defend its territory against all intruders. They have been known to attack and kill prey more than twice their size. The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal in the world and truly a ‘’Bolt from the Blue’’. 

''BOLT FROM THE BLUE'' was dedicated at Doolittle Hall Air Force Academy.

''BOLT FROM THE BLUE'' was dedicated at Doolittle Hall Air Force Academy. It is a real honor to have my work at the Academy.The Air Force has been a large part of my family’s lives. I was born at Griffiss AFB and graduated High School at Torrejon AFB in Madrid Spain . My father a 30 year military officer spent most of his life in the military service for his country. I hope he would be honored to know that one of his sons created a monumental sculpture permanently placed at the Air Force Academy. – Chris Navarro

''BOLT FROM THE BLUE'' my monumental Peregrine Falcon will be installed at the Air Force Academy.

''BOLT FROM THE BLUE'' my monumental Peregrine Falcon will be installed at the Air Force Academy this week. It is an honor to have my work placed there. I come from a family of aviators. My father was a 30 year military air force officer a veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam. I grew up on airbases in the US and Europe. I have 3 older brother who were all military aviators.My oldest brother Rick graduated from the Naval Academy. I soloed my first plane when I was 19. I know my Dad would be proud.
chrisnavarro.com

Dedication of the monumental bronze ''Wyoming Cowboy''

This is a video of a speech I gave for the dedication of the monumental bronze ''Wyoming Cowboy'' at the University of Wyoming a monument of the famous Wyoming bucking horse Steamboat for the New Marian H Rochelle Gateway Center dedicated October 24, 2014.

Quick Draw Buffalo Bill Art Show Cody WY

HOME WRECKER

HOME WRECKER (25 x 18 x 9 (inches) 
Here is another tile that adds to the story of the piece. Homewrecker is a sculpture of a large bull elk rubbing his antlers on an Aspen tree that also happens to be the home for two magpies. Elk will rub their antlers on trees and shrubs to attract cows and mark their territory to intimidate other Bulls. This bull does not notice or care that he is wreaking havoc and shaking the home of these two magpies.

‘’CLOUD DANCER’’

My sculpture ‘’CLOUD DANCER’’ was chosen for the 2016 Governor's Capitol Art Exhibition in Cheyenne!

''CHASING THE WIND''

''CHASING THE WIND'' Imagine what it would be like and feel like to look at the world from a different vantage point. Look inside your subject you are creating. You’re doing a horse imagine what it would be like to be a horse fast and powerful running over the ground with four legs full of power and grace weighing a thousand pounds. And when you do this it will give you a new insight and perspective to your work. 

''TASTE LIKE CHICKEN''

''TASTE LIKE CHICKEN'' bronze H-16.5'' Roadrunners eat a lot of rattlesnakes. I have eaten some rattlesnake and it does taste like chicken!chrisnavarro.com

''FREEDOM''

''FREEDOM'' Received commission by the Fox River Wisconsin heritage Parkway to create a sculpture that would celebrate and bring awareness to handicap assessable kayaking and canoe ramps. My sculpture ‘’Freedom’’ is a young man who has left his wheelchair behind and running whitewater rapids in a kayak. Without the use of his legs, he has left the confinement and restrictions of the wheelchair behind. Now he is in control of his own destiny, living in the moment and feeling the freedom and rush of being on the water.