My artwork reflects the inherent strength within us. I believe we are in continual transition whether physically, spiritually, mentally or emotionally. We have physical vehicles housing and moving us such as buildings, cars, planes, and our own bodies…but faith, empowerment, events or circumstances seem to shift our lives in more subtle, sublime and urgent forms.

My artwork reveals these forms and inspires viewers to develop self-abilities while conceding to our incontestable connection with one another. Rearranged visual syntax, drawn words, symbols, and mixed media are inspirations I allow to deliberately bridge the gap between verbal and visual language. Such demeanor allows visual language the same reward as verbal language: an interaction of tangible and abstract experiences all the while expanding its tenure beyond cultural restriction and translation.

I believe we are a reflection and a result of each other regardless of our differences. Our arts should explore, experience, then express life from our own viewpoints; creating until our experience has become our expression.

About the Artist

 

Clayton is the author of Escape from Freedom, Continued Evolution:the written spoken word volume I,The Other Side of the Sun, and the upcoming Walking On Paper: Continued Evolution Vol. II.  In visual arts, he produced the exhibitions Walking On Paper, Fragments & Fables, Dance Interior, Dancing in Dreamtime, Hanging Instruments, Landscapes: Consideration of Color, Paintings That Sing the Blues, Sketches, Thumbnails, and Studies, American Pedagogy: What are We Teaching, Memoirs and has won numerous awards including Best in Show in juried and group exhibitions. His work is held in collections in the United States, London, Belgium, New Zealand and Bolivia. In Theater, he was commissioned by The Virginia Opera to design sets for Porgy and Bess and Freedom’s Journey.

Clayton also appeared on stage in George C. Wolfe’s The Colored Museum in the roles of Walter Lee Beau Willie, The Man, Male Model and Ms. Roj. He is currently working at Lake Taylor High School of Norfolk Public Schools where he has taught K-12 visual art. Clayton has won teacher of the year three times (once respectively at elementary, middle and high school), two inspiration awards, and three school bell awards and assisted in rewriting the visual arts curriculum for Norfolk Public Schools and Newport News Public Schools