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Lifelong Pursuit

Clayton Thiel has been passionately making ceramic art for over 50 years. He came to the San Francisco Bay area to study with renowned sculptors like Peter Voulkos and Manuel Neri. While sculpting, Clayton has taught and lectured for the last 30+ years at Chabot College and other institutions.

In Clayton's own words:

"My work is often categorized as narrative/visionary – calling on the unconscious dream world and bringing it into play through each piece of work. Many of my art heroes of the 20th century took the most improbable combinations of dreams, memories and reflections, and made them appear possible.

I've always been good with my hands. I'm bless hands and eyes that can make the inanimate, animated, and the invisible, visible."

Time lapse of Owl construction

"...character and dignity..."

We have enjoyed Clayton's creations in our garden and on our deck for years. His large head sculpture powerfully elicits a sense of character and dignity, while the other two smaller pieces are clearly products of Clayton's unique imagination and whimsical humor. All display his mastery of the medium he works in, and add interest and beauty to our home.

Steve & Leslie Rein - Oakland, CA

"...brings it alive..."

We invested in one of Clayton's Dreamer's Dreaming sculptures because we wanted our backyard landscape to be infused with the character, spirit and imagination that his work inspires. Because of the natural elements and colors of the work, it adds to the landscape - brings it alive - without overpowering the existing elements.

Ben Shick - Oakland, CA