Butterflies, Scarabs and Secrets tells the almost mythical story of Clayton Blair Dougherty, a talented young traveler who interpreted the world's otherness—the bombardment of the strange we so often take for granted—in hidden works of art. With unique humor and a new assignment of meanings, Dougherty quietly built a world that he could understand. At his death, his mother discovered her beloved son's artistic accomplishments tucked in the pages of his 2,000 books.
Dougherty's worldview, though private, was never narrow. It was kaleidoscopic. Traumatized as a child, he nonetheless traveled far and wide with Betty—whose love of native art and uncharted adventures equaled his. These adventures took them together across the Pacific Ocean to remote islands of the world. In Papua New Guinea they traveled down boggy tributaries of the Sepik River lassoing crocodiles and bartering with war-faring natives. "Tribal fighting was going on—fighting about women, land and their pigs usually." Headhunting was not that far in the past. Betty's background in professional writing enabled her to take on the challenge of presenting Clay's extraordinary life and work to a wider world. Her son built bridges between harsh realities and his tender perceptions, defying boundaries and creating a magic kingdom of found art. Journey with him in this biography of a secret artist. Through drawings, collages, and art boxes—lovingly gathered—meet the marvelous mysterious works of Clayton Blair Dougherty. (Click here to purchase book.) "Betty LaVelle's research is impeccable, her art historical references correct...and a wonderful collection of Clay's art in full color. This book brought tears to my eyes." —Sally Elliott, senior instructor emeritus of art and art history (ret.), U. of Colo., Boulder. "The book itself is a work of art about the most beautiful expressions of life...This truly is a unique and modern "van Gogh" like story shared with care." —Michael and Paola Jarvis |
|
Experience some of Clay's art illustrated in his biography. More of his works are featured on the About Clay page.
|
Recently Clay and I had the opportunity to exhibit our works together. The Longmont Council of Arts featured Clay's assemblage art in a month-long exhibit at the Muse Art Gallery. The juried art selected included my work "Tok Pisin" as part of the exhibit. The wooden box and light that I used for my art were part of Clay's found objects collection.
"Tok Pisin" was inspired by Clay's and my voyage down the Sepik River in Papua New Guinea. |
"Tok Pisin"
|
Praise For Butterflies, Scarabs and Secrets
"Wow! What a wonderful tribute...You remind me of Ernest Hemingway and his book, Old Man and the Sea. You are very easy to read." —William Dusseau, world traveler.
"The only thing better than an evening spent with a good friend is one curling up with a delicious book. And this is what Betty LaVelle contributes with her recent book...The one who picks up this book will be provided with rare insights into Clay's life and art, which only a highly gifted writer can unveil. Thank you Betty." —Stanley H. Mullen, M.D.
"The book is beautiful, the writing makes me cry...Everything is elegant." —Judith Snyder, scientist, D.U. professor (ret.).
"Betty LaVelle skillfully weaves the varied threads of Clayton Dougherty's life into a vivid tapestry. She reveals how deeply individual creativity is rooted in social context and invites readers on a journey. The journey, full of wonders, leads us to ask ourselves how many hidden treasures we overlook each day." —Leslie Irvine, professor of sociology, U. of Colo., Boulder.
"What a beautiful book! It is exquisite, really, what a tribute to Clay." —Brigitte Furst, Boulder realtor.
"The usages/symbolisms of the scarabs and the butterflies are intriguing." —Todd Kridel, artist.
"Read [the book] a second time. It was an emotional read and I was able to enjoy Betty LaVelle's wonderful writing skills and absorb the beauty of Clay's art. It's the story of Clay and Betty but also narrates the trials that many parents deal with when their children fall under or over society's expectations. It could very well be turned into a screen play." —Deborah Tanen Johnson, registered nurse and businesswoman.
"Your life and memories of Clay are beautiful, including moments like watching the parade together in Longmont, Colorado." --Dr. Andrew Repjar.
"What an extraordinary story of a son's struggle...and the mother who is determined to honor and keep her son's legacy alive. I would highly recommend this book." —Nancy Tatti, mother and registered nurse.
"...a lovely tribute...and the ways [Clay] contributed to both family life and the arts." —Pam Mellskog, reporter, Times-Call.
"What variety and beauty there is of Clay's artistic works. What knowledge of the creative process you communicate." —Laird Cagan, M.D.
"The only thing better than an evening spent with a good friend is one curling up with a delicious book. And this is what Betty LaVelle contributes with her recent book...The one who picks up this book will be provided with rare insights into Clay's life and art, which only a highly gifted writer can unveil. Thank you Betty." —Stanley H. Mullen, M.D.
"The book is beautiful, the writing makes me cry...Everything is elegant." —Judith Snyder, scientist, D.U. professor (ret.).
"Betty LaVelle skillfully weaves the varied threads of Clayton Dougherty's life into a vivid tapestry. She reveals how deeply individual creativity is rooted in social context and invites readers on a journey. The journey, full of wonders, leads us to ask ourselves how many hidden treasures we overlook each day." —Leslie Irvine, professor of sociology, U. of Colo., Boulder.
"What a beautiful book! It is exquisite, really, what a tribute to Clay." —Brigitte Furst, Boulder realtor.
"The usages/symbolisms of the scarabs and the butterflies are intriguing." —Todd Kridel, artist.
"Read [the book] a second time. It was an emotional read and I was able to enjoy Betty LaVelle's wonderful writing skills and absorb the beauty of Clay's art. It's the story of Clay and Betty but also narrates the trials that many parents deal with when their children fall under or over society's expectations. It could very well be turned into a screen play." —Deborah Tanen Johnson, registered nurse and businesswoman.
"Your life and memories of Clay are beautiful, including moments like watching the parade together in Longmont, Colorado." --Dr. Andrew Repjar.
"What an extraordinary story of a son's struggle...and the mother who is determined to honor and keep her son's legacy alive. I would highly recommend this book." —Nancy Tatti, mother and registered nurse.
"...a lovely tribute...and the ways [Clay] contributed to both family life and the arts." —Pam Mellskog, reporter, Times-Call.
"What variety and beauty there is of Clay's artistic works. What knowledge of the creative process you communicate." —Laird Cagan, M.D.
U. S. Copyright Registration No. TX 9-251-088