I live and work in downtown Bellevue, Washington, just east of Seattle.
In my painting and writing I used to strive for a feeling of individuality and freedom unencumbered by outside influences. 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. It is said 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, combining such elements creates my uniquely modern imagery.
My first large-scale abstractions were done in an abandoned building in Lincoln, Nebraska where I could spray, splash, and layer paint on the walls (1982). Then in 1995 in Denver, Colorado I experienced a great period of creative growth, painting a series of dark 3’x4’ pictures well-suited for a venue like a gothic nightclub. Some years after moving to Washington State, my palette brightened, and now our home has a lot of southern-facing windows. The light that comes through these windows keeps my spirit elevated, which is reflected in my painting.
My writing is evidence that I have always been interested in sci/fi fantasy as subject material, yet I haven’t read any novels for many years. I see movies, of course, which are often visually stunning and imaginative. But I am concerned that if I were to read as voraciously as I once did, my work would become “derivative.”
Also, I often find reading less rewarding than writing—books I have read sometimes develop a plot in a way that is an unhappy surprise, leaving me disappointed.
Always, I prefer to wait for my life to bring the inspiration that will set my work apart.
(Thanks to Jonathan Ross Clemons for Web Design and continuing support!)
Education:
B. A. in Art, 1990 Seattle University
Attended Denver University 1991-92
Attended University of Nebraska, Lincoln 1990-1991, 1982-85
Travel:
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:
September 7th through 30th, 2017; “Being and Becoming” 67 Paintings by Clayton and Mancui Schonberger, A/NT Gallery
2014-2018 A/NT Gallery, Seattle, WA
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 at National Bank of Commerce in 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,” a high fantasy novel and Book 1 of the Bladeborn Cycle.
“Bladeborn and Nightslayer,” Book 2 of the Bladeborn Cycle.
“The Edge of Nightslayer,” Book 3 of the Bladeborn Cycle.
“The Telesynthetic Man,” a futuristic novel and Book 1 of the Telesynthetic series.
“The Telesnythetic War,” Book 2 of the Telesynthetic series.
“All-Night Cafe” ~ a short poetry & art book.
“Chasing the Dream: One Woman’s Journey” ~ Edited by Clayton Schonberger, written by Mancui Schonberger.
“Orphans of the Nexus” ~ Science Fiction book.
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