An artful apartment

From elegantly painted mountain scenes to sun-kissed stained glass, the walls and windows of resident Clayton Ludeman’s apartment are a sight to behold. Clayton believes that art heals and inspires, which is why he began collecting it more than thirty years ago.

Clayton, an Ardenwoods resident for the last four years, was born and raised in Washington, D.C. He has had an exciting life, traveling and living in many places.

“After university, I joined the Navy for three years. In the Navy, I was assigned to serve on a brand-new anti-submarine destroyer escort and served as a combat control and communications officer. I saw just about every part of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic,” he said.

After the Navy, Clayton worked as an electrical engineer. Once he retired in 1988, Clayton spent his time volunteering with various nonprofits and charities and began his fascination with collecting art.

“I have always enjoyed art, from a little boy to now as an old man. I started seriously collecting thirty years ago, trying to collect local art pieces. When I recognize something unique, if I can afford it, I will buy it,” Clayton said.

Before settling in Arden, Clayton lived in an apartment in downtown Asheville for 18 years.

“I first came to Asheville because of the uniqueness of it. I started seeing art, liking it, and buying it,” he said.

An array of marvelous art glass pieces and paintings by Lynn Boggess adorn Clayton’s Ardenwoods apartment, each holding a special memory and meaning. While he loves supporting local artists, Clayton also reflects on the years he spent exploring his inner artist.

“I took painting lessons but I didn’t have the skill. However, I did excel with art glass,” he said. “Lampshades, glass balls, and almost anything that can be made 3D can be created using art glass.”

While Clayton lived in Florida, he would walk to a nearby art museum that provided art glass classes. His first memorable creation was a glass panel using the Tiffany technique. The Tiffany technique involves using thin copper foil instead of lead strips to hold glass pieces together. Compared to the lead technique, the Tiffany technique allows for more intricacy and flexibility in design, enhancing the overall beauty of stained glass pieces.

While the art glass hanging in his apartment receives plenty of natural light to illuminate its many colors, Clayton also had an electrician install extra lighting in the living area of his apartment, illuminating his painting collection by Boggess.

“To me, glass is life — the sun behind it. Art is special because of its beauty, complexity, and many colors. I could sit and look at these pieces for hours. It is one of my favorite things to do,” Clayton said.

Additionally, Clayton has a library of art-related books, including books on the Impressionists and old art institutions, which he enjoys reading. Throughout his life, he spent lots of time in international cities and would always seek out the local art museum. Paris museums were his favorite, as they were the most inspiring to him.

While his love for art did not pass to his children or grandchildren, the tradition of military service did. Clayton’s grandson was recently sworn in as a fighter pilot in the Navy.

While Clayton loves art in all forms, he says, “my family is my number one love.”

He has two daughters, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, of which he takes much pride and joy. One daughter is a tango dancer who tours in Argentina and along the United States east coast with her husband about five months out of the year — his other children live locally.

When Clayton is not admiring his art collection or spending time with his nearby family, he enjoys attending events hosted at Ardenwoods, especially those involving science, since he was an engineer. He also enjoys excursions to restaurants, the opera, and other musical events.

Clayton is thankful to live at Ardenwoods, surrounded by the art, colors, light, and memories to brighten his days.