Influenced by Indigenous and American Folk art, Clyde McDowell meshed animal teeth and bones, vintage barn wood and found objects in his sculptures. McDowell was best known for his goofy yet eerily reimagined creatures of nature. Although fun loving, his sculptures also contain an element of danger such as piercing teeth, a sharp hook, or a jagged edge. 

McDowell was a publicly engaged artist. His works can be seen along Union County roads, at the Union County Heritage Museum, Biscuit and Jam Farmers Market, and restaurants and small businesses in and around New Albany, Mississippi. McDowell made art off and on for all of his life, but he fine-tuned his unique style when he retired from product engineering and development with 6 US patents to his name.