Clayton

When did you start painting and designing?

I never took art, and I was never formally trained in art or design. I’ve always been good at coming up with things or figuring things out. I never thought I could draw, but one day, after I got out of the Army, I decided to try. I did some sketches, the first one I did was a picture of a fishing boat on a cloudy day.

What is your favorite style of art?

Abstract, that’s all I have done. 

Who or what is your inspiration? 

Kids. I used to do aerobics at East Grand Rapids Elementary. I would go in, and the hallways were full of kids’ paintings. They’re so creative, I always wanted to have a museum with just kids’ paintings. 

What inspired you to sketch for the first time? 

I was sitting reading the Sunday paper and saw a picture. It wasn’t fine art, it was a fishing boat. Guys out the back, fishing poles in the water. It was cloudy, and just a little bit of sun was peeking through the clouds. I can’t draw a straight line, but it came out better than I thought.  I do like abstract because we have enough fine artists. We have enough art that fits inside the box. 

Where are you from, Clayton?

I grew up in the country in the sixties. I was raised in a farmhouse in Allendale, in an area now owned by Grand Valley State University. 

Tell me about your first pieces 

My first commission was an outdoor arbor. I designed it completely out of copper tubing with a matching rail. I have several arbors in the area. 

Tell me about some of your other works. 

I have designed dining room tables, coffee tables, rugs, and even door handles for Keeler Brass.