RaZoO
Artist
BeBo
Folk
Artist BEBO
John Paul Daniel, otherwise know
in folk art circles as BEBO, is a self-taught painter and carver that
began making "critters" out of old barn wood in 1993
after tearing down an old shed behind the church in Kingston Springs,
Tennessee. Finding himself left with a pile of old weathered
wood, he
got
up one morning and started cutting out forms with a hatchet. The
first pieces were crude and primitive, but compelling -- often
taking the form of a fish or with 'fish-like' characteristics.
Some time later, he told his wife BB, "I had a dream last night. In my dream someone
told me "YOU
ARE BEBO!" From
that point on John
Paul has
also been BEBO, the critter-carving
folk artist.
Although he now primarily uses
a jig saw instead of a hatchet, BEBO continues to use old barn woods -- oak,
maple, ash or whatever becomes available in his area. He
does not use patterns when he roughs out his pieces, but lets
each cut follow the natural characteristics of the wood, often
incorporating knot holes for eyes or the ragged edges as fish
scales.
His winsome critters
may take the form of fish, squids, or reptiles such as lizards,
snakes or 'gators. Some of his pieces are as small as a foot long,
while others grow to over ten feet in length. All are painted
with "Fix All" tractor paint in bold primary colors.
Bebo's signature pieces
may be displayed inside or placed outside to weather and for everyone
else to enjoy.
BEBO's "Critters"
are widely collected. His art has been displayed at the Orlando House
of Blues
and numerous folk festivals and shows around the country. In his
other incarnation, John
Paul
is also a successful
Nashville songwriter
with songs recorded by Bryan White, Pam Tillis, Clay Walker, Sherrie
Austin, Prairie Oyster and others. He finds that his art
work compliments and provides a relaxing respite from his song
writing. Not surprisingly, the artist loves to fish and spends a great
deal of time on the Gulf Coast relaxing, writing songs, and gathering
inspiration from nature for his artwork.
For
more information about the artist, pricing, and availability contact
webmaster@razoogallery.com
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Gator
Angel
Blessing Angel
Blue Clean
Fruit Angel
Pent Angel
contact:
RaZoo GaLLery
webmaster@razoogallery.com
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