114. Painting the World Our Children Will Inherit: Purpose, Art, and Community with Cbabi Bayoc

In this episode of What’s the Point, I sit down with artist Cbabi Bayoc, a painter, muralist, illustrator, and author whose work is rooted in one powerful idea: painting the world he wants his children—and all of our children—to thrive in.

Cbabi shares how his art has always been about people. Faces. Emotion. Community. From his early days studying at Grambling State University to drawing caricatures at Six Flags, he learned to observe humanity closely, to listen, and to let people teach him through their reactions. What could have been discouraging moments became lessons in humility, learning, and perseverance.

A major part of our conversation centers on Cbabi’s decision to move his studio to East St. Louis and his work with the Sunshine Cultural Arts Center. He challenges the narratives many of us have been handed about places and people, reminding us how quickly false perceptions can dissolve once we experience community firsthand. His work consistently invites us to look past stereotypes and toward shared humanity.

We also talk about fatherhood and how becoming a dad reshaped his purpose. His 365 Days with Dad series—and the children’s book When I Became Dad—grew out of a deep desire to reflect love, presence, and care. Hearing Cbabi describe parents crying in galleries as they connected with his work was a powerful reminder of how art can speak where words fall short.

Cbabi reflects on the role of music in his creative process, the responsibility of creating public art, and the deeply meaningful experience of designing stained glass for the Episcopal Church of Holy Communion—an opportunity that allowed him to explore faith, justice, representation, and history through art.

We also explore how he sees technology and AI intersecting with creativity, and why human experience, emotion, and perspective can never be replaced. For Cbabi, art remains a timeless tool for connection, empathy, and meaning.

This episode is a human story of growth, purpose, and responsibility. It’s a reminder that living with purpose doesn’t require grand gestures—sometimes it starts with simply caring, paying attention, and creating something that helps others feel seen.

What’s The Point? is a podcast hosted by Bill Ellis featuring real conversations with people who’ve figured out what matters – their purpose. Each episode explores what motivates them and how they find meaning in what they do.

 

Connect with Bill:

• [e-mail]
•  www.billellis.com
• www.brandingforresults.com
• IG - @wcellis
• Facebook - @CoachBillEllis
• Facebook - @bill.ellis 
• LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/wcellis
• Book: Women Who Won

 

Links for This Episode:

For inquiries about commissions, collaborations, or special projects, please contact his representation as follows: Name - Amber L. Howlett- Bayoc, PH,D
strategist & change artist for CBAI Bayoc originals

• Email  [e-mail]
• Phone [phone]
• Website(s) http://cbabibayoc.com , http://cbabiisgodstool.com (store) and http://leadwithdharma.com

SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:

• LinkedIn @‌cbabibayoc
• Instagram @‌cbabi

Quick Episode Summary: 

• 00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Cbabi Bayoc
• 01:00 – What Cbabi hopes people feel when they see his art
• 02:00 – The meaning behind the name “Cbabi Bayoc”
• 03:30 – Grambling State University and breaking false narratives
• 05:00 – First art jobs and learning through observation
• 06:30 – Working at Six Flags and learning humility
• 07:45 – Moving the studio to East St. Louis
• 09:00 – Reframing perceptions of East St. Louis
• 10:30 – Music as a foundation of visual art
• 12:00 – Art, rhythm, and movement
• 13:15 – Children’s books and becoming a father
• 15:00 – The 365 Days with Dad project
• 16:45 – How people emotionally respond to his work
• 18:30 – Community as the common thread
• 20:00 – Painting the world our children should grow up in