About Dairel Bobbitte

Born and reared on a lovely Tazewell County Virginia mountain top, I've been intrigued with art in some form as long as I can remember. My father loved music and taught me to play an instrument at a very early age. Later, as this inclination began to express itself in a visual way, my mom would brag about things that I made and show them to anyone who would listen. This only encouraged me to grow and develop that part of my nature even more.

I took art classes in high school when one was more highly esteemed by how far he could run a football than how well he could draw a picture of it. But it was here however, that I received additional impetus when an art teacher chose one of my drawings to enter in a contest. Of course I never won, but the fire lit by that generous act is still burning.

Gradually, I became more and more interested in photography and for me, art found expression through a camera more than any other medium. After high school, I entered another school where photography was part of the curriculum. Down through the years, I took several more extensive courses and read lots of books on the subject. Additionally, I would haunt all the professional photographers and question them until I felt they were ready to start using my head to practice their chain saw skills. I never earned a living from photography, but I steadily pursued it while fulfilling career obligations. After retirement, I have enjoyed pursuing it much more vigorously.

I paint with my camera. It is very rewarding when my photographs are mistaken for hand art. God never recognized state or county lines when he was creating his own picture of a beautiful world. I consider it an imperative to showcase the Southern Appalachians to any one who appreciates the more lovely things of life.

Dairel and his wife Carolyn Ann live at Claypool Hill. They have four children living in Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina.

Dairel Bobbitte can be reached at:
(276) 963-6323

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