At one time, I worked for a feeling of individuality and freedom unencumbered by outside influences in my painting. Lately, I have copied a few modern masters to try to improve my skills as an artist.
“Learning to paint.” A life-long journey, one hopes. They say Art mirrors real life, and one should never cease to learn in life.
For years I have called my style of painting “Non-Objective Surrealism” because much of my imagery is abstract, yet when I paint recognizable forms, they represent objects like those in the dreaming mind. Built on what I understand about the past, the combining of such elements creates uniquely modern imagery.
I made my first large-scale abstractions on the interior walls of an abandoned building in Lincoln, Nebraska (1982).
In 1995 in Denver, Colorado, I experienced another period of creative growth, painting a series of dark 3’ x 4’ pictures.
Some years after moving to Washington State, my pallet brightened. The light coming into my picture windows kept my spirit elevated, which shows in my painting. I painted with my significant other, teaching her the rudiments of acrylics and oils. Inspired by her, I painted over 250 canvases in in three years, culminating in the show “Being and Becoming” at Seattle Center, in the shadow of the Space Needle.
Since moving to this house Renton, I have continued painting
bright images.
My writing is evidence that I have always been interested in Science Fiction and Fantasy as subject material. At one time I read voraciously, but since I became a writer, no more. It concerns me that if I were to read and “fall in love” with another writer’s novels as I once did, my work might become “derivative.”
Also, I often find reading less rewarding than writing—books I read sometimes develop in ways that are an unhappy surprise, leaving me disappointed.
Always, I wait for my life to bring the inspiration that will set my work apart. I work in an “automatic” way, uncertain of what the final product will resemble. It keeps my creations fresh. Free of repetition or schema, I do best when obsession takes hold.
(Thanks to Jonathan Ross Clemons for Web Design and continuing support!)
Education:
Bachelor of Art in Fine Art, 1990 Seattle University
Attended Academy of Art University, San Francisco, 2013
Attended Denver University 1991-92
Attended University of Nebraska, Lincoln 1990-1991, 1982-85
Travel:
Traveled in Mexico City, Mexico 2019
Traveled in Beijing and Xi’an, China in 2018
Traveled in Beijing, China in 2015
Traveled in Bali, Lombok, Singapore, & Hong Kong 1996
Traveled in Ireland, England, Scotland, Belgium, Germany, France, & Italy 1988
Traveled in England, Scotland, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, & Spain 1984
Selected Artist Shows:
2014-2021 A/NT Gallery, Seattle, WA
September 7th through 30th, 2017; “Being and Becoming” 67 Paintings by Clayton and Mancui Schonberger, A/NT Gallery
March 29 through May 31, 2014–Pogacha Restaurant, Bellevue, WA
February 1 through March 29, 2014–Pogacha Restaurant, Issaquah, WA
January 8 through March 2, 2011–Pogacha Restaurant, Bellevue, WA
November 8, 2010, through January 8, 2011–Pogacha Restaurant, Issaquah, WA
March 17 through June 12, 2009–Aria Salon, Seattle, WA
June 1 through June 17, 2001–C.O.R.E. New Art Space, Denver, CO
January 5 through March 5, 2001–Mercury Café, Denver, CO
June 25 through July 30, 2000–Paris on the Platte Coffeehouse, Denver, CO
October 17, 1998, through January 8, 1999–Starbucks Coffee, Littleton, CO
Wynkoop Brewery, 1998-2001–Denver, CO
Arts Organizations:
Member of the Alternative Arts Alliance, 1994-1996, Denver, CO
Member of C.O.R.E. New Arts Space, 1996-2001, Denver, CO
Member of Asylum Art Gallery, 1991-1995, Denver, CO
Series as Featured Artist, National Bank of Commerce, Lincoln, NE:
September 17 through September 30, 1996
July 1 through July 15, 1995
August 12 through August 26, 1994
August 13 through August 27, 1992
Literary Experience:
“The First Harmony,” a sci-fi/fantasy novel based in both the distant past and the far future.
“Bladeborn Uprising” ~ Book 1 of the Bladeborn Cycle.
“Bladeborn the Outlander” ~ Book 2 of the Bladeborn Cycle.
“Bladeborn Immortal” ~ Book 3 of the Bladeborn Cycle.
“Bladeborn and Nightslayer” ~ Book 4 of the Bladeborn Cycle.
“The Edge of Nightslayer” ~ Book 5 of the Bladeborn Cycle.
“The Telesynthetic Man” ~ a futuristic novel and Book 1 of the Telesynthetic series.
“The Telesynthetic War” ~ Book 2 of the Telesynthetic series.
“All-Night Cafe” ~ a short poetry & art book.
“Chasing the Dream: One Woman’s Journey” ~ A poetry and art book, Edited by Clayton Schonberger, written by Mancui Schonberger.
“Orphans of the Nexus” ~ Science Fiction book.
“SEC-39” ~ Science Fiction/political fable.
“Love Verse: the Story of a Match.com Love Affair” ~ a short poetry & art book.
“Heart Full of Love” ~ A poetry and art book, Edited by Clayton Schonberger, written by Mojdeh Oormazdi.
Extensive Poetry reading experience throughout Denver Area 1993-2001. Self-published sixteen editions of “Molten Clouds,” magazines of poetry.
Theater:
Lead Role in “The Clouds” By Aristophanes and Father Roger Gilles, Seattle University, 1989
Supporting role in Shakespeare’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream” Seattle University, 1990
Music:
Noise Band: “Combustion”—Lincoln, NE 1986.
New Wave Band: “The 4-Out-of-5 Dentists”—Lincoln, NE 1984.
Punk Rock Band: “The Cruel Pastries”—Lincoln, NE 1983.
Punk Rock Band: “The Speakers”—Lincoln, NE 1981.