Raymond Gibby is a sculptor whose work reflects a deep reverence for nature, heritage, and the enduring values of strength, honor, and connection. Known for his powerful bronze sculptures of wildlife and Western subjects, Gibby creates pieces that go beyond form, capturing the spirit, symbolism, and emotional weight of his subjects.

Raised in Southern California in the foothills outside of Riverside, Gibby developed an early love for the outdoors and wildlife. His artistic path was shaped in part by his grandfather, an accomplished Utah-based landscape and wildlife painter, who recognized his talent and began mentoring him at a young age. Under his grandfather’s guidance, Gibby explored drawing outdoor subjects and Native American portraiture, laying the foundation for the themes that would later define his work. After four years of formal high school art training, Gibby continued his studies under a professional artist, further refining his skills and gaining the encouragement to pursue art as a lifelong career. By the age of 18, he had already produced his first limited edition lithograph and began marketing his work, an early indication of both his entrepreneurial spirit and artistic commitment.

Following a period of service work in Puerto Rico, Gibby returned with a renewed sense of purpose, stepping into the world of commercial sculpture and commissioned painting. A pivotal moment in his career came when he began working as a metal chaser and point-up artist at a fine art bronze foundry near Salt Lake City. There, he gained invaluable technical training from established artists and developed a mastery of the bronze casting process. It was during this time that he transitioned fully into sculpture, building a portfolio of bronze works that quickly garnered recognition at regional exhibitions and events.

Gibby’s first major commission came when he was selected to recreate the trophy for the C.A.M.I.E. (Character And Morality In Entertainment) Awards, an honor associated with notable recipients including Disney Productions, Anne Hathaway, and the creators of Seventh Heaven. This project marked the beginning of a career defined by both public and private commissions. His large-scale works include Freedom to Soar, an eleven-foot sculpture of two eagles created for the city of Irving, Texas, and The Ambassador, a monumental grizzly bear inspired by the legendary film animal Bart the Bear.

Deeply inspired by North American wildlife and Old West themes, Gibby’s work is rooted in storytelling and symbolism. His sculptures often reflect the values he admires, courage, resilience, dignity, and a profound respect for the natural world. Whether depicting the quiet strength of a grizzly bear or the soaring perspective of an eagle, each piece is intended to evoke reflection and emotional connection.

More recently, his work has expanded into figurative subject matter, exploring human expression with the same depth and sensitivity seen in his wildlife pieces. Works such as Quiet Victories, portraying a dignified Jicarilla Apache woman, invite viewers to consider the inner strength and lived experiences behind the subject, while pieces like Undisputed embody quiet authority and power through form alone.

A defining characteristic of Gibby’s process is his intentional preservation of the artist’s touch. He minimizes excessive tooling, often allowing his fingerprints to remain visible in the final bronze, an approach that reinforces the human connection between artist, subject, and collector. As Gibby explains: “Each of my sculptures has meaning to me. They are a symbol of what I admire. They are feelings or memories of my childhood. They are a reflection of what I love now. I try to minimize the amount of tooling I use to create a piece because I want my fingerprints to be left on the outside surfaces. I want others to know that this work came from an actual person who cared enough about the subject matter that he could turn it into something tangible so as to allow someone else to enjoy its significance.”

“My work is also a reflection of gratitude for the Great Creator of all things, who did not just provide for us the basic needs of survival, but gave us marvelously beautiful things to see, feel, touch, taste, and smell. Beyond just keeping us alive, these sensory experiences allow our souls to be filled. His creations are so magnificent that they permeate down into my soul. In short, when I sculpt, often the deeper meaning that governs me is, I think this creation is so wonderful that I would like to internalize it and then show others how it makes me feel. Sculpting is a way that I can say thank you for all I am fortunate enough to experience in my life.”

Since 1999, Gibby’s work has been widely exhibited and collected across the United States. His sculptures have been featured in publications including Southwest Art Magazine, Wildlife Art Magazine, and Sculptural Pursuit, and he has participated in prestigious events such as the Loveland Sculpture Invitational. His work is held in both private and public collections, with notable commissions for organizations including Bass Pro Shops, Joe Gibbs Racing, Eldora Speedway, and municipalities such as Irving, Texas.

Today, Raymond Gibby continues to sculpt with a focus on meaning, legacy, and connection. His work stands as a tribute to the natural world and the values it represents—offering collectors not just a sculpture, but a story, a memory, and a reflection of something deeply human.