Christopher Gonzalez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Christopher , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
Yes. Recently I created a large portrait of a political figure who had been assassinated, and the experience affected me deeply. I don’t usually take on work with political themes, nor do I typically share anything outside my artistic niche on social media. But as a father of two, a working-class artist, and someone grounded in my faith, the event struck close to home. I felt compelled to honor this individual through my art and to share the piece publicly, even though I knew it could come at a personal cost.
And it did. I lost a few friends and followers, and stepping outside my usual boundaries was uncomfortable. But standing by my convictions ended up opening doors rather than closing them. I gained new supporters who connected with the authenticity behind the work, and I realized that sharing my genuine perspective allowed others in similar situations to feel seen and encouraged to speak up as well. What began as a challenge ultimately gave me more freedom as an artist and expanded the way I tell my story.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Christopher Joseph Gonzalez, a fine artist and muralist whose work is rooted in storytelling, culture, and faith. I grew up with a Hispanic background that shaped the way I see color, family, community, and the power of representation. Art has always been more than a skill for me, it’s been a way to honor where I come from while building something bigger than myself. I started as a traditional painter, completely immersed in the world of canvas. I never set out to become a muralist, but as my work evolved, so did the scale of my vision. Today, I create murals for major organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and developers around the country, bringing the same fine-art detail and personal intention to every wall I touch.
My brand, C. Joseph Art, is built around the idea of accessibility and possibility. My motto, “Art for everyone, on anything”, guides my creative path. I want to break the idea that an artist must fit into one box or one medium. Yes, I paint murals, but I also want to be known as a multifaceted artist who can sculpt, design installations, and even paint on automotive vehicles like Ferraris and Lamborghinis. What excites me most is the opportunity to take art into unexpected places and create work that people from all walks of life can connect with.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding the boundaries of what my brand can do, experimenting with new materials, collaborating with designers and developers, and finding fresh ways to merge fine art with large-scale experiences. My hope is that my journey shows others, especially young Hispanic artists, that your background isn’t a limitation, it’s a superpower. It’s the foundation that gives your art purpose, voice, and direction. And as I continue growing, my mission remains the same: bring art to everyone, on anything, and inspire others to believe that their creative path can be just as bold and limitless.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
The earliest memory I have of feeling powerful was when I made the decision to pursue art full-time. I was in my early twenties, working as a bartender, and one day I quit cold turkey. It was a bold move, maybe even a little reckless, but it was the first time I chose myself and my passion over stability. I had always created art, but stepping into it as a career, especially on a larger scale, wasn’t common in my community at the time. I wanted to be one of the first in my area, at my age, to take that leap and treat art as a real profession, not just a hobby.
What I didn’t expect was how that decision would redirect my entire life. Taking that risk opened a door I never saw coming: I was offered a position in corporate America as a production manager for a Fortune 500 company. I spent the next 15–16 years climbing the corporate ladder, learning business operations, leadership, and strategy. At the time, it didn’t feel directly connected to my artistic dreams, but looking back, that experience gave me the business acumen and discipline that now fuel my brand and allow me to operate as a successful full-time artist today.
That moment, walking away from the bar and choosing art, was the first time I realized the power of betting on myself. It taught me that taking a risk can open doors you didn’t even know existed and that every step, even the unexpected ones, can build the foundation for something bigger.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that held me back the most in life was the fear of the unknown. For me, that usually showed up as feeling like I didn’t have enough information, skill, or experience to take the next step, whether it was trying a new medium, pursuing a bigger opportunity, or attempting something completely outside my comfort zone. I used to let that uncertainty slow me down.
But one of my mentors once told me that fear is simply “false evidence appearing real.” That shifted everything for me. It helped me see life as a series of opportunities rather than barriers. When you allow yourself to step into something even when you’re unsure, even when you’re afraid of failing, you’re already growing. And if you do fail, that failure becomes a lesson instead of a setback.
Over time, I’ve learned that the only way to overcome fear is to move toward it. Every time I take a risk, I replace fear with experience and build confidence I didn’t have before. That mindset change. from fear to growth, has shaped not only my art career, but the way I take on challenges in every part of my life.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the art industry tells itself is that you need to hit a certain level of status before you’re considered a “real” artist. There’s this idea that you need formal training, a prestigious art-school background, a massive social following, or a long list of accomplishments before you’re allowed to claim your place in the field. And honestly, that’s simply not true.
I’m proof of that. I have no formal art education, no traditional path behind me. In the early years, I thought that put me at a disadvantage, but over time, I realized it gave me a completely different edge. Through consistency, discipline, and a willingness to put myself out there, I’ve worked with famous Brand companies, major developers, business owners coast to coast, and entire communities who believed in my work long before I had any credentials.
Another lie young artists hear today is that you need a huge following on social media before you can succeed. The truth is, people aren’t looking for perfection, they’re looking for authenticity. They want to follow your journey, your personality, your growth. You don’t need to wait until you’re “great” to share your work; you become great by showing the world who you are and letting them grow with you.
And you don’t need fame to make a real living as an artist. What you do need is consistency. You have to show up every day, follow through on your commitments, and keep pushing even when things get difficult. That mindset alone will take you further than talent without discipline. Some artists may be more technically skilled than you, but if they don’t have the drive to keep moving, you can surpass them simply by refusing to quit.
Ultimately, the biggest lie in this industry is that success is reserved for a select few. The truth is that with authenticity, persistence, and a strong work ethic, there’s room for anybody willing to do the work.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is, first and foremost, that I loved my family deeply. I want my wife and kids to know I would move mountains for them, and that everything I worked for was to give them a beautiful life. Those closest to me already understand that, and I hope that legacy of love carries on long after I’m gone.
I also hope people say I was joyful, trustworthy, and genuinely a good man, someone who treated others with respect and showed up with integrity. I truly believe the artistic gift I have was given to me from above, and being able to share that gift with people across the world has been one of the greatest blessings of my life.
More than anything, I hope that when people meet me, see my artwork, or follow my journey, they feel something positive, whether it’s inspiration, comfort, or connection. If my life and my work can leave people feeling a little more hopeful, a little more seen, or a little more empowered, then that’s the story I would be proud to leave behind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cjosephart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cjosephart?igsh=MXBoeDNuMXF3cnZtOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cjosephart1
