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Kingston Springs folk artist Bebo of Bebo Folk Art can be described in quite a few ways: inspired, creative, imaginative. Sounds like your typical artist, right?
Wrong.
In fact, “typical” might be the last word one would use when describing Bebo. Not only is he self-taught, he uses found materials – old hubcaps and garden hoses, to name a couple – to create unique pieces. “I find stuff on the side of the road and make art out of it if I can,” Bebo says.
Born in Tulsa, Okla., as John Paul Daniel, he discovered his “art name” – Bebo – during a dream. “I think God gave me the name,” he says. “I like it, and it’s worked.”
Now 56 years old, Bebo began creating his art when he was 39. “I was in the music business,” he says. “This was just a hobby. Then, in 2001, I went full time after a five-year run as a songwriter.”
Bebo’s inspiration came from Rev. Howard Finster, a folk artist who created more than 46,000 original pieces. “He is the father of all folk artists,” Bebo says. “He was very encouraging and told me I should be making my own art.”
And he did. Using pieces from a torn-down barn, Bebo began cutting out various critters with a hatchet and a hammer. “It just happened,” he says. “I was inspired by religious art and wanted to make my own.”
At first, he stuck with what was comfortable, carving out familiar figures. “I fish a lot, so I was drawn to (shapes of) fish, gators and snakes,” Bebo says.
Since then, Bebo has continued to create artful creatures – turtles, butterflies, birds and more – in a variety of bright, vibrant colors. “I think my bright color schemes come from what I saw as a child,” he says.
“I went to [American] Indian powwows with my dad and saw brightly colored costumes and beading.”
He also crafts signs with favorite Bible verses, uplifting quotes and sayings, including “Love and peace,” “This too shall pass” and “Let go and let God.”
“My main focus is to put out a good word,” he says. “I want to let people know, ‘Hey, it’s not all bad.’”
He hopes his creations can make others feel better and make their days a little brighter. “If I’m putting a smile on someone’s face, that means I’m doing my job,” Bebo says.
Bebo also finds artistic motivation through his religious beliefs and hopes to inspire others spiritually as well. “My message is pretty simple,” he says. “Love God and love your neighbor.”
While his message may be clear, his occupation isn’t always so easily defined. The term “folk artist” may be unfamiliar, but Bebo does his best to explain what it means – to him. “It’s freedom,” he says. “But I have a responsibility. Since I have this gift, I need to put out a good message.”
Bebo is mainly focused on his folk art these days but still finds time to engage in other activities, including fishing and playing golf. He also enjoys playing his guitar and writing music – just as he did before becoming a full-time artist. “I still play music,” he says. “I play with my dad at art shows.” He also performs in Florida and in his community in Kingston Springs.
Story by Jessica Walker
