John Clinton

Biography

Clinton studied at University of British Columbia. Moving east, he completed his degree at Queen’s University. Upon entering a sculpture course at Central Technical School, Clinton found his niche in bronze.

Clinton’s work has been showcased in the Toronto Financial District and has participated in many exhibitions across Canada and the USA. He was the recipient of the Banting and Best Award, Canadian Diabetes Association. He has held the position of VP, and is the current Development Chair at The Power Plant.

Clinton was elected into the SSC in 2009. His practice is based in Toronto and BC.

Artist Statement

I have always focused my sculpting on people, whether it be abstract, real life, or some combination of the two, whatever the media. I am obsessed with the back-story that is conveyed through a gesture, a nuance, or a look. I want my work to tell stories not just express sentiment.

In bronze, I have found much of the nuance of the story is in the effect created within the patina. The surface works to define the piece – in effect becoming the texture of the story. I am fascinated by the fact that by altering the surface or the texture I can change the mood, the feeling and the emotion of the subject or story.

Working in wood taught me to appreciate how to manipulate the surface. From that I found I could combine and recreate in bronze. It opened up the ability to tell stories in a much more permanent, much more dramatic way.”