I first met The Rhinestone Cowboy (Loy Bowlin) in 1989 with my friend Sali. We were on our first of Folk Art trips to drive the South and meet artist’s whom we had seen their work in exhibits, books, or heard about from word of mouth in the relatively small folk art world at that time.
We both loved glittered and talked of feeling like crows drawn to the sparkle, so a visit to the Rhinestone Cowboy in McComb, Mississippi was a must like the Taj Mahal of glitter.
Loy was the sweetest and most welcoming man. He had jewels in his glasses and inset in his teeth. He talked of his street dancing days and his stint on the Gong Show where he was upstaged by a monkey. He mentioned having shock treatments and coming home to see these patterns he made into pieces which covered every inch of his walls, ceilings and doors.
His artwork along with his red vinyl curtains made me feel like I entered the best of acid trips with the nicest person along for the ride. I couldn’t wait to get home and as quickly as possible get Bruce back for the experience.
Together Bruce and I visited Loy many times over the years with each visit so special and our time with Loy treasured.
Loy’s house was saved and is in the collection of the Kohler Art Center where from time to time they reinstall it and open it up for visits, but it is fragile and the work outside of this installation very rare. Each special piece reminds of us hearing Loy talk about the artwork, his life and memories. The Rhinestone Cowboy is truly a jewel in our lifetime.