Artist, Teacher, Mentor, Creator of the Way of Beauty Formation

Jonathan Pageau, liturgical artist (see pageaucarvings.com), public speaker, and YouTuber, and noted commentator on contemporary culture; founder of The Orthodox Arts Journal and The Symbolic World podcast, magazine and online learning community.

“In my early attempts at being an icon carver, David Clayton was the first writer to see my potential and promote my work. His articles for the New Liturgical Movement and his blog The Way of Beauty (now on Substack), have been instrumental in rekindling liturgical art in the West. When we launched the Orthodox Arts Journal in 2012, David’s writing on The Way of Beauty and The New Liturgical Movement’s approach were our model and inspiration.  His desire to present beauty, proportion, and the creative retrieval and participation in tradition as the true root of art will remain a touchstone in the cultural return to sacred art and the evangelization of the wider culture.”

Fr. Bradley Elliott O.P., Assistant Professor of Theology at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology (Berkeley, CA) and author of The Shape of the Artistic Mind: A Search for the Metaphysical Link Between Art and Morals in the Thought of Thomas Aquinas:

“As one who has experienced David Clayton’s Way of Beauty under his personal mentorship, I can attest to its power to transform lives and direct us to a fuller contemplation of Divine Beauty. Rooted in the Catholic tradition, sound anthropology, and the human experience of the ages, Clayton’s Way of Beauty is like a treasure map pointing the way to greater happiness. I have personally directed many people to David for guidance, and I heartily recommend it to all.”

Robert Puschautz, Master Artist, Executive Director and Founder, Stabat Mater Foundation and Atelier school of fine art (stabatmater.org):

“Through his writing and personal advice over the years, David Clayton has influenced my approach to painting and teaching art in the Catholic tradition. He has visited our studio in Tyler, Texas, a number of times and has been incredibly generous with his time in offering his valuable insights to our students during his residencies. It is largely due to his work publicizing our art program among Catholics across America that we acquired many of our dedicated students. We are delighted to endorse David’s work as part of both Scala Foundation and Pontifex University.“

Geoff Yovanovic, NCARB, architect practising in Atlanta, Georgia; member, Institute of Classical Architecture; Partner Norman, Davenport, Askins (normanaskins.com): Faculty, Pontifex University (www.pontifex.university).

“In my final undergraduate architecture semester, I studied 18th- and early 19th-century theory—a period when classical principles were abandoned, and early modernism emerged. After graduation, David’s Way of Beauty blog clarified for me what the Enlightenment discarded and helped me understand why I was drawn to the beauty of classical and traditional forms. When I attended his 2011 Way of Beauty seminar, I was immersed in naturalistic drawing, lectures, and discussions on beauty, which profoundly shaped my career and architectural perspective.

Classical and traditional architecture possesses inherent beauty, rooted in proportions and scales and, more deeply, in truth and beauty itself. When culture rejected truth and beauty in art, those proportions also lost meaning in architecture. Overnight, the elegant Beaux-Arts buildings of the American Renaissance were replaced by ugly, utilitarian modern boxes that dominate cities and architectural landscapes today. Beauty was sidelined or redefined as a subjective experience rather than a reflection of inspiration from the Creator. David’s writings cut through modern misconceptions about beauty, reviving ancient truths. As an artist, he makes these philosophical ideas accessible to all creatives and shows how to apply them in design. I would not be practising architecture the way I am today if it were not for him.“

Andrew Goldstein, Director of Mission Advancement and Parish Support at The Vigil Project (thevigilproject.com), co-author of Musica Domestica:

“I am a professional musician who, in my capacity as mission advancement director at The Vigil Project, have made it my life’s mission to raise the standard of sacred music in Catholic homes and parishes. When I first encountered David’s Way of Beauty and The Little Oratory, I immediately sensed a kinship in David’s vision for beauty that affects not just the liturgical life of the Church but the comprehensive daily life of faith in the home as well. I then learned of David’s work in adapting the Gregorian tones to English, steeped in years of his own prayer and contemplation. This sparked an immediate friendship and collaboration on a new book, Musica Domestica, forthcoming from Word on Fire. David’s significant contribution to this book—which offers chants, hymns, folk songs, and more for use in the domestic church—provides families with a much-needed pathway to singing the Psalms and to expressing the Liturgy of the Hours in a lay, domestic context. Finally, families will have the support they need to experience this beautiful prayer in their own homes, thanks to David.”

Ryan Kreager, Assistant Director of Entrepreneurship, The Idea Center, The University of Notre Dame:

“David’s mentorship is a masterclass in deepening your relationship with God and those around you. David helped me to encounter beauty in my daily relationship with Christ and bring that mindset into my roles as husband, father, and friend. The Way of Beauty is both timeless in its truths and imminently practical in its application. No matter where you are on your walk with God, or what level of formation you have, I recommend David’s mentorship. May God bless your journey as well!”

Brad Torline, Executive Director, The Angelico Project (angelicoproject.org). Cincinnati, Ohio.

“Given his international recognition as an artist, author, teacher, and strategic champion of  Catholic Culture, The Angelico Project was thrilled to host David Clayton as a speaker. His presentation on how to chant the psalms and pray with images in an icon corner at home was engaging, practical, and well-received by our audience of students, artists, patrons, and enthusiasts.  Even better than his presentation, however, was his readiness to coach me personally and his eagerness to form serious, long-term relationships with institutions he believes have the potential to effect real transformation in the culture. We were excited to host David as a speaker. We are thrilled to have found a partner and long-term advisor willing to lend his extensive experience, expertise, and connections to advance our mission to draw people closer to Christ and the Church through art and culture. ”