Statement

“The substance of my work is rooted in the belief and recognition of the spiritual world we live within. As a southern painter I have an affinity for all that has been used- that which has served some purpose and therefore must be recognized. The effects of time invoke a crippling, yet beautifying change.”

I was born in Kingman, AZ, but spent the majority of my childhood traveling the southeast. I studied art in the mountains of North Georgia and currently live in Atlanta. I am currently the Lead Visual Art teacher at Lakeview Academy, a college preparatory school in Gainesville, GA.

As a fly fishing and outdoor enthusiast, my work is an extension of my exploration of the natural world. Through a process of layering epoxies, gold leaf, tar and paint, my work brings to life elements of my southern heritage with a modern twist. Built over wood, the paintings are almost sculptural in effect. My paintings are built from earthen colors, rich and sumptuous, weaving together vintage motifs with abstracted natural imagery. Through organic compositions, my work celebrates the Spirit of my faith and my deep love for the natural world.

Bio

Exhibitions

2008  

Quinlan Arts Center, "Salon", Gainesville, GA

The Emily Amy Gallery, Group Exhibition-"Abstractions", Atlanta, GA

The Haen Gallery, 3 Man Show, Asheville, NC

2007  

Eweber Gallery, Group Exhibition-"Homecomings", Atlanta, GA

433 Bishop, Group Exhibition-"Celebrate", Atlanta, GA

NPCC Gallery, Group Exhibition-"Rendered", Alpharetta, GA

Trinity School, Group Exhibition, Atlanta, GA

Quinlan Gallery, Group Exhibition, Gainesville, GA

Quinlan Arts Center, "Salon", Gainesville, GA

2006  

Eweber Gallery, One Man Show-"Elevating the Surface"

Trinity School, Group Exhibition, Atlanta, GA

Quinlan Gallery, Group Exhibition, Gainesville, GA

2005  

Eweber Gallery, Open Gallery Show, Atlanta, GA

Eweber Gallery, Four Man Show, Atlanta, GA

Education

2006

Atlanta College of Art

AP Studio Art AP Certification Program- College Board

2005

North Georgia College and State University

School of Graduate Studies

Master of Art Education (in progress)

2003-4

North Georgia College and State University

Post Baccalaureate Program

1994-1999

North Georgia College and State University

Bachelor's of Science- Art Marketing

Press

"There is something elusive about Clayton Santiago's mixed-media work. The Atlanta artist is billed as exploring the spiritual. The soaring turkey-like humble bird in the mixed-media "The Rhythm of Transformation" seems to crystallize our sense of desire and power. We see in its reflective eye and open wings that which carries us."

— from www.gotricities.com, Region's galleries alive with exhibits, July 2008, by Allison Alfonso