ART

What was the inspiration for the work in the "Conflicted Harmony" show?

For me, this type of work and this body of work, arose from some more difficult and personal questions that i was asking myself about my artwork and picture making in general. These questions still continue and I'm still learning.

I'm interested in many different things, especially stylistically speaking; they all feel like pieces, or combinations, of a collective visual vocabulary. With this body of work I didn't want to feel restricted to any one 'style', an easy genre, an easy quick-to-read narrative, an easy to read figure/ground composition, or restricted to an actual location, or restricted to only the same technique. I wanted a framework that allowed room for many different things symbolically, with narrative, and with technique. In doing so my work ironically starting to take on a 'look'; and I can see it going a few possible directions from here.

Also, this type of work arose from questions that were along the lines of: what has influenced me in my life? what is most important? and what do I want to talk about with my work? This is when the environment, and how we relate to it, took center-stage in my work. And as most people can hopefully see, the state of our environment, and our co-existence with it is pretty out of balance in a lot of areas. Yet there are still moments of beauty in this on going clash, contrast, and search for balance.

So it was really these two things that began to shape my work: what I was thinking and feeling about the environment, and what I was thinking and feeling about artistic process and picture making.
Describe your overall artistic philosophy in a single sentence.

I don't think I've fully developed a single sentence artistic philosophy. I know I like to draw, and I know drawing is a very powerful tool. I know I am interested in many aspects relating to our environment and I know I am interested in many aspects relating to form.
What other art has you fired up right now?

There are so many inspiring artists, illustrators, designers, people, etc. out there in this world. It seems like the more you look, the more you find. There are also quite a few living artists who I can think of who are inspiring and who are working in the same rough trajectory that my work is taking me, even though I am not necessarily studying them or looking at all of them. Really, there are too many to name. I'm fired up about artwork which crosses, or weaves, boundaries and styles and time until it becomes something new. Also, painting and drawing that deals with 'likeness' and painting and drawing that deals with varying degrees of abstraction and combining.
Pivotal moment in your development as an artist?

A few moments, I can't pick just one....

Doing drawings of my family camping trips when I was really young. Working hard to get by in community college math classes with just average grades, while in my art classes getting A's, being included in student art shows, and having tons of fun; this in turn made me arrive at the moment, "maybe I should look into art school". The Clayton Brothers 'Intro to Illustration' class at Art Center. Finally, and most recently, struggling with myself and with my artwork; asking myself more difficult questions, going through slumps, trying to maintain hope and persevere, and learning about myself and my work.
Artistic goals yet to be achieved?

Work larger
Best thing about being an artist?

The freedom. The exploring of ideas and forms. The appreciative and curious sense of vision that it can give you.
Worst thing about being an artist?

Sometimes managing the freedom itself. Or sometimes dealing with how you and this freedom 'fit' into society.
The moment you knew you were doomed to be an artist?

I think one of my most significant 'moments of doom' may have been when I was asked the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?". This question was for my sixth grade yearbook in which I had illustrated the cover. My response was: "be an artist or something else". I never really found anything else that fully diverted my attention away from art.
Most influential person on your career as an artist?

My Dad, Rob Clayton, Allison Renshaw ...to name just a few.
Number one thing you hope people take away from experiencing your art?

An awareness. Or a reminder to be aware.

When looking at my artwork I hope they will explore the drawing, the detail, and the symbols. I hope that they enjoy exploring the work. If they pick up on any of my clues as to what it means for me thats good, but not necessary. Everyone will have their own variation on the meanings as to how everyone will have different things that they associate with my work. I would hope they would be aware of what things look like, their likeness. And maybe in turn pay attention to the smaller things, the overlooked things around you in life and in your environment, because they are usually full of beautiful moments and evidence of things much bigger and interconnected.

LIFE

Who would you most want to trade lives with for a day, and why?

Well, I'll just go with the first person that happened to pop into my head: John Muir.
What books are you reading now?

I just finished 'The Rum Diary' by Hunter S. Thompson after a long hiatus. Other than that you've caught me empty handed at the moment.
What music is playing in your vehicle right now?

Right now...a mixed CD of Neil Young, from albums: Zuma, After the Goldrush, and Harvest
Besides art, what are your greatest passion(s)?

Riding waves, being outdoors in nature.
Something everyone needs to know about you?

I'm colorblind.
What you'd be doing if you couldn't do art:

No art in any form? I don't know, that would be a different life.

I'm not sure. If I couldn't do 'art' meaning drawing, painting, collage, viewing art, etc I would probably put that energy into other art forms or towards some other career obviously. I have no idea what though; with different interests your life could lead you anywhere. Although, I do constantly dream that I could write and compose songs.
Death Row last meal?

chips and gaucamole > fish tacos > a few cold beers > pumpkin pie > chocolate ice cream with dark chocolate.
Guilty pleasure?

bodyboarding
Favorite status symbol?

I have a collection of art show flyers and a few small prints and pieces from other artists such as the Clayton Brothers which could be kinda cool i guess, and maybe my messy art studio desk in my living room, that's status right?..other than that i don't have a clue.
Words of wisdom for today's misguided youth?

Don't take for granted or overlook the natural world around you and your connection to it. It is powerful and important, and there are answers and wisdom to see and experience in the natural world that are timeless.

As far as art goes (and continuos advice for myself), work often and do your best, maybe not the best but your best. Strive to be true to yourself and your life and your own interests and your own curiosities. Be humble. Be diligent. Don't give up. Don't be afraid to ask for a little help or advice. Take advantage of good opportunities. Don't waste time worrying about every little thing being perfect for you to begin, because you will risk not beginning at all..