Bynum, NC – Clyde Jones, the self-taught folk artist whose handcrafted wooden “critters” and impromptu creative spirit helped put this small Haw River community on the cultural map, died this week at the age of 87. A towering figure in outsider art whose work delighted children and adults alike, Jones passed away surrounded by the critters and companions that defined his life’s work.
From his yard-filled wonderland of animal sculptures to his humble interactions with visitors from across the globe, Jones embodied the joy of creation. His legacy — whimsical, generous, and deeply rooted in community — will be remembered not just in Bynum but in museums, galleries, and the hearts of those who encountered his work.
A Chainsaw Artist Who Carved Smiles
For more than four decades, Clyde Jones used nothing more than a chainsaw, found wood, and his boundless imagination to transform stumps and logs into fantastical creatures — from towering giraffes to dancing penguins. His work, collectively known as “critters,” became landmarks in yards throughout Bynum and beyond, drawing visitors from across the country and around the world who left with stories and smiles to share…