Deep Ellum Community Arts Fair

Presents

Chris Cumbie

About

Visit booth #
Mixed Media
Mobile, Al
I’m a self-taught outsider artist born and raised in rural Alabama, where I learned early on to make something out of nothing. My grandfather could build just about anything, and I grew up watching him work with his hands, solve problems, and turn scraps into something useful. That stuck with me. I never had formal training, but I’ve always had the drive to create—and I’ve always used whatever I could find to do it. Wood, metal, old signage, rusted tools, broken toys—if it’s got history or character, I’ll find a way to make it part of something new. My work is deeply personal and constantly evolving, inspired not just by my Southern roots but by my kids, whose wild ideas and limitless imaginations remind me that rules don’t really matter. I chase that energy when I’m in the studio—starting with a spark and letting the piece take shape as I go. Whether it’s a sculpture, a mixed-media piece, or something that doesn’t fit neatly in a category, it’s always built from instinct, curiosity, and a love for making things with my hands
https://www.ChrisCumbieArt.com

What does Deep ellum mean to me?