By Kelly Lynch
Our cover artist Cyrus Walker is one of Montana’s most influential artists, he skillfully walks the line between tradition and innovation. Drawing inspiration from the landscapes of the American West, his work reflects a deep connection to the past with a fresh, modern twist.
Cyrus begins his creative process with a feeling – often vague but accompanied by vivid imagery. His challenge is turning those emotions, whether grief, adventure, or something else, into visual form using simple mediums. The clarity of his images contrasts with the complexity of the emotions behind them, making each creation a journey in translating feelings into art.
For many, producing a new painting each week might sound overwhelming, but Cyrus manages it through a disciplined routine. He doesn’t see art as work but as a constant urge he satisfies by spending hours sketching. While becoming a parent has slowed his pace, his commitment to creating remains unwavering. He describes his need to create as an “itch” that drives him back to the studio whenever he finds spare time, allowing him to explore the ideas that never stop flowing.
Cyrus’s work is heavily influenced by the styles of the 1940s and 1950s, a connection shaped by his background in graphic design and illustration. Working in an antique store further deepened his interest in the aesthetics of that era. His fascination with the Western genre, particularly the works of early Western painters like C.M. Russell and Remington, reflects this influence. He notes how these artists helped shape the narrative of the West.
To Cyrus, the Western genre is more than just imagery; it’sa unique blend of story and location. He finds inspiration in how Western art evolved, shifting from the realism of early painters to the more fictional, idealized portrayals of the Great Depression era. This transition from painting reality to creating narratives mirrors his own desire to push the boundaries of his work. Though he agrees his work is often studied by modern enthusiasts, he still feels his work is “too Western to be contemporary, and too contemporary to be Western.”
Fatherhood has introduced both challenges and new perspectives for Cyrus. While balancing his art with family life can be tough, it has also given him the freedom to experiment and break out of old patterns. Although he’s often tired, his commitment to creativity has not rested. Instead, he sees this new phase of life as an opportunity to explore different forms of expression.
Looking ahead, Cyrus is eager to try new techniques and themes. He envisions making multiple versions of the same piece, each slightly different, as a way to experiment. His upcoming exhibitions in 2025, including shows at Cassen’s Fine Art and Dick Idol Signature Gallery, will showcase this new direction. Followers of his Instagram page (@cyrus. walker) can watch his creative process unfold in real-time.
After wrapping up his last gallery show of 2024, Cyrus is preparing for a busy exhibition schedule in 2025. Fans can catch his work in galleries across the American West, including Montana Trails in Bozeman, Paul Scott Gallery in Scottsdale, and True West in Santa Fe. These exhibitions will give audiences a chance to engage with his evolving style, which blends Western tradition with modern innovation.
Cyrus Walker’s art bridges the past and the present, blending the timeless power of the Western genre with contemporary themes and personal experience. His journey as an artist is one of constant exploration, driven by a deep connection to the past and a willingness to experiment with the future.
You can meet Cyrus and see his art at the Best of the West Art Show in March 2025. Follow Best of the West on Facebook. Or see his website at cyruswalker.com