Bill Nebeker, b. 1942. Twin Falls, Idaho (United States).
Cowboy artist Bill Nebeker grew up along the Snake River in Idaho. As a boy, he always whittled dogs and horses, miniature cowboys, boots, and saddles but never considered it an art. His interest in sculpting was sparked in 1964 when he accompanied his parents to a one-man showing of sculptor, George Phippen’s artwork. From that day, he just knew he had to try his hand at clay.
To look at a Bill Nebeker sculpture is to get an honest and authentic portrayal of the historic American West or contemporary ranch life. Quiet tributes, subtle humor and wry observations underlie Nebeker's work. His knack for weaving an unobtrusive story line into a sculpture challenges the unsuspecting viewer to unravel what tale lies within the piece. That moment of discovery is at the heart of experiencing and appreciating Bill's bronzes.
Show Preview
Six artists from the Cowboy Artists of America will join forces for the group exhibition Cowboy Country at Trailside Galleries in Jackson, Wyoming, this February. The show will feature the works of Mikel Donahue, Phil Epp, Bruce Greene, Bill Nebeker, Dustin Payne and Clark Kelley Price, who all have found their own voices within themes of the West through paintings and sculptures.
Western Art Collector
"Roaming the West"
THOSE WHO WANDER
BY John O'Hern
Ross Buckland, William Phillips, Clark Kelley-Price, Bill Nebeker
Horse-drawn farm wagons were a staple of transportation for generations, evolving into the heavy, covered, Conestoga wagons that carried settlers west and were used for further generations to carry goods to market.
Preserving Tradition
By Michael Clawson
Bill Nebeker is the longest serving full member of the Cowboy Artists of America, and he has stories to prove it.