Delbert E. Beckham

As he picked up different kinds of cast aside pieces of metal, gears, and truck parts to build the door stops, a vision of more and larger manifested itself. Two years later he left the classroom to pursue full time his new passion for metal sculpting. Delbert continues to use salvaged steel to create all sorts of flowers, critters and abstracts. They range in size from a few inches to ten feet and more. Some are painted with bright primary colors, while others are left in a natural state of rust.

Artist Spotlight

Name: Delbert Beckham

What type of art do you like to create?
I suppose the answer is abstract or non objective. It is more about the medium than a type of art. The different types of salvaged metals I use bring with them a character that new metal does not have. It is also a wondrous medium because it can be bent, twisted, shaped and joined together into infinite possibilities. It is forgiving and compliant while stubbornly retaining its original form and character. These salvaged materials guide me to build flowers, critters, furniture and just fun or interesting forms.

Where did you learn to do what you do?
My first instruction was just the basics as an education major with an art minor at Stephen F. Austin State University in the late sixties and early seventies. Much later I spent a week (Thanksgiving vacation from school in 2002) in my brother-in-law’s machine shop learning to weld. Beyond that I have learned from hands on and by paying very close attention to other sculptors that I have had the privilege to interact with.

Tell us about your most important projects.
The most important projects for me have been the commissioned pieces. When a client comes to me, they are reinforcing my value as an artist and expressing their confidence that I can catch the vision they have for a specific location. A commission takes every ounce of my energy and creativity to deliver beyond what is being asked of me. I am blessed when my work meets and hopefully exceeds their expectations.

Describe your studio.
In the beginning, I worked at night and on weekends in my brother-in-law’s machine shop with a ready supply of materials available in his discard bins. Later, I was able to get my own equipment and moved to my back yard and carport. After I left teaching to pursue sculpture full time I built my current studio which is a 1000 square foot steel building with great roll up doors. I work outdoors under shade trees that tower over the building when I can, but go inside when it is frigid out. I have the best of both. Adjacent to my studio is another 2000 plus square feet covered with all kinds of metal I have found, bought or had given to me by friends, and then there is the display area around my home.

What type of music do you listen to while you work?
Sometimes, early in the morning, I just want silence but most of the time I listen to traditional country.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I get inspiration from everywhere… from God, who is everywhere… my flowers from real flowers… my people from real people… fun and pleasing shapes from the materials I use… I get inspiration from everywhere.

Do you have any advice for other artists?
I don’t think I have been in the business of creating long enough to be giving much advise. As an individual, I’d say listen to the still small voice coming from inside your heart.

Do you belong to any art organizations?
Besides TSA, I am a member of Texas Society of Sculptors, Lakes Area Arts League in Center (founding member and board member), East Texas Art League in Jasper, and the Longview Museum of Fine Art.

Do you have a website?

Delbert Beckham
www.dbmetalart.com
936-598-7859