Eyes on Fulfillment: Phil Clayton and the art of living well
An old proverb says that the eyes are the windows to the soul — and for Phil Clayton, what he sees and how he helps others see have come together beautifully in his personal and professional lives.
Owner of Edmond’s TSO Optical since 1986, Clayton is the first to admit he was a bit naïve in terms of following a corporate model when he opened TSO. “It was probably between years three and five when I realized I didn’t like the service and quality we were providing, so that began my journey into higher-end eyewear,” he says. TSO now offers unique and beautiful eyewear from France, Germany, Belgium, Japan and other countries, and partners with optometrists and ophthalmologists to be a full-service shop. “It’s an unusual setting that we have all the o’s together: optometry, ophthalmology and optical. Our clients can be diagnosed, [get] treated, have surgery and choose eyewear all in one spot.”
The side of him that knew there was something more beautiful and creative to be found within his business also saw the same for his home. Built in 1937, his charming English Tudor-style home in Oklahoma City’s Crown Heights neighborhood is a fusion of modern and old house charm, telling the story of the hobbies and things he loves — like art, bonsai and Japanese koi fish.
“I know I have a creative and stylish side and I am a great admirer of art,” he says. “I like things orderly in a minimalist way and have a critical eye for balance, design and symmetry, and my hobbies reflect that.”
Clayton’s collection of art is diverse and eclectic — from sculptures to glass to paintings. “Every piece has a story, and many pieces are from local artists,” he says. “And I love that over time I have built relationships with many of the artists.” Such as Oklahoma City mixed media artist Paul Medina, whose “Crown and Roses” sculpture graces a coffee table, along with his painting of Clayton’s daughter Molly, complete with a few koi fish.
“The goal for my home is for my necessities to blend in and get color and expression from the art,” Clayton says. And he doesn’t buy art just for the sake of buying it. “I wait until I find a piece I love, not just because I have a space to fill.” Case in point: the sculpture of a woman that sits alone on his fireplace mantel, purchased from a street vendor in Soho. “I fell in love with it; I found her both romantic and haunting.”
The home has had two add-ons in its history, and most recently Clayton redid the entire kitchen. “There’s a responsibility when you own an older home. There’s always something to do, projects to be tackled. Admittedly I am always on alert — in the house and by the pool — constantly fussing and tweaking, but it makes me happy.”
The former dining room/library posed a bit of a conundrum. “It had been 13 years of not knowing what to do with it,” he says. A client and friend, decorator Troy Wilson, came into TSO to shop for glasses and Clayton asked him if he’d look at the room and offer ideas of what could be done. “After Troy looked around, he asked me about my hobbies and what I love and he said, ‘Why don’t you make this a bonsai room?’ and that is exactly what I did.” Now, he utilizes the room for working on his beloved bonsai, without the hassle of setting up outdoor tables and moving things in and out.
While his business and home keep him busy, community involvement plays a huge part in Clayton’s life — and it’s no surprise it revolves around the arts. He spent 15 years on the board of OKC Ballet, including as its board president, along with three years on the board for the Arts Council of Oklahoma City. “My father always said that public service is important and to leave something better than you found it,” he adds. His next community endeavor is co-chairing, with Brooke Coe, The Exquisite Corpse Costume Ball Oct. 29 at artist Laura Warriner’s ARTSPACE at Untitled. “The arts in Oklahoma City are so important, and I love Laura’s mission of helping emerging artists, along with providing educational opportunities.”
The uniqueness and beauty in Clayton’s business and home translate to all areas of his life, and it’s not lost on him that he is lucky. “I am so fortunate,” he says. “I truly love going to work every day, but I also love coming home. I am happy.”