.jpg "Thomas Wood")
bronze on granite base, edition of 7
91 x 18 x 18 cm / 36 x 7 x 7 in
bronze on granite base, edition of 7
24 x 9 x 8 cm / 10 x 4 x 3 in
.jpg "Eyes Closed (Male)")
bronze on granite base, edition of 7
61 x 13 x 31 cm / 24 x 5 x 12 in
bronze on granite base, edition of 7
34 x 6 x 10 cm / 14 x 3 x 4 in
bronze on granite base, edition of 7
34 x 6 x 10 cm / 14 x 3 x 4 in
.jpg "Eyes Closed (Male)"){kind=small}
John Clinton is a Toronto-based artist, who studied at the University of British Columbia, and Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. Early in his career, Clinton worked three-dimensionally in wood and papier-mâché. It was in the 1980's that he turned his attention to casting bronze.
This was a natural transition for Clinton. His experiences with wood - carving away material to reveal new form - readily translated to shaping wax; and his previous surface experimentation with papier-mâché, furnished him with an appreciation for the subtle patinas he now applies to the surface of his bronzes. Clinton also has a masterful understanding of taking a two-dimensional surface - such as a sheet of wax - and deftly modelling it into minimalist, three-dimensional form. This is the signature technique of his 'Modigliani-esque' masks. Like the figures of the Italian expressionist Painter and Sculptor, Amedeo Modigliani (1884 - 1920), Clinton's elongated guises are arresting in their dignity, and intriguing in their universal persona. Mask-making is an ancient - inherently mysterious - art form, whose purpose is to create disguise. Clinton builds on this history, offering a contemporary, enigmatic visage. Could they be guardians or dreamers - idols or icons? Their interpretations are far reaching and provocative.
Clinton's works have been featured in exhibitions in Toronto, Vancouver and Chicago, and are found in corporate and private collections throughout Canada and the U.S.