My name is Nita Navarro, an artist born in Santiago, Chile—a country renowned for its copper. Embracing this heritage felt natural, and metal became the foundation of my creative voice. Today, my work continues to evolve in California, where shifting landscapes, open skies, and the quiet poetry of nature shape both my process and perspective.

Nature is my constant muse—Mother Nature, my greatest teacher and favorite artist. I explore mountains, trees, backcountry vistas, flowers, animals, the curves of the human body, and the fluid movement found in living forms. I am equally inspired by the challenge of transforming others’ ideas into tangible works, fabricating emotion and memory into metal and wood.

My materials include copper, aluminum, and steel, often paired with warm, organic wood. This juxtaposition—cool metal beside living grain—reflects the balance life holds between strength and softness, structure and spirit. Each piece begins differently: sometimes as a sketch on paper, sometimes inspired by the material itself, and other times sparked unexpectedly by something seen, heard, or deeply felt.

I often describe my process as painting with metal. Through contour lines, motion, and simplified shapes, I seek to create movement and emotion within rigid materials. Over the years, my themes have remained rooted in nature, but my craftsmanship and technical understanding have grown, refining how I translate vision into form.

Art is everything to me. It is serenity and loneliness, grounding and adventure, provocation and play. Creating is both meditation and release—a necessary act that keeps me centered and whole. When I make something, I am sharing a fragment of myself with the viewer, offering a quiet conversation between my inner world and theirs.

More than anything, I hope my work makes people feel—whether it brings back a memory, a place, a person, or simply stirs an unnamed emotion. Connection is the true purpose of what I create.

Currently, I am focusing on larger-scale pieces inspired by the landscapes surrounding my longtime home of Ojai. Planned works include interpretations of the Topa Topa Mountains, fields of Matilija poppies, and the iconic Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. I am also completing a bonsai sunset piece inspired by stories of resilience within Japanese gardens.

Looking ahead, I hope to deepen my presence in my local arts community—sharing my work through galleries, exhibitions, and community events. After more than 30 years in Ojai, my journey continues with patience, persistence, and the quiet belief that art always finds its place.