When you step into the living room at Warblers at Trinity, your eyes are drawn to many beautiful details, but one piece commands special attention. Perched on the side table between our cozy couches sits "On the Rock," a bronze sculpture that embodies everything we love about thoughtful, meaningful art.
A Sculpture That Transforms BeforeYour Eyes
Created by acclaimed sculptor John Clinton, "On the Rock" is a masterpiece that explores themes of movement, form, and balance, captivating viewers with a harmonious blend of nature and structure. What makes this piece truly magical is how it reveals different stories depending on your perspective. From one angle, you might see a whale's tail breaking the surface of the ocean. Shift slightly, and suddenly you're witnessing the fluid curve of a wave frozen in time. Move again, and a bird in flight emerges from the bronze.
This transformative quality isn't accidental. Clinton explains that he gravitates towards strong shapes and lines that occur in nature, drawing inspiration from West Coast environments where "from the sea is a cacophony of shapes and images." His work captures the fluid lines of natural forms, creating art that has what he calls "a calming effect like the ocean itself."
The Artist Behind the Magic
John Clinton brings a unique perspective to his art that spans decades of both creative and professional excellence. While largely self-taught, he received formal training in bronze sculpting at Central Tech in Toronto and has been an exhibiting artist since 1985. His background in advertising, publishing, and public relations — where he led creative and content for North America for the world's largest PR firm—infuses his sculptures with the storytelling mastery that makes pieces like "On the Rock" so compelling.
Clinton's artistic journey began as a wood carver, evolved through papier mâché, and ultimately found its home in bronze, where he combines his love of repurposing with his exploration of texture, color, and line. This evolution is evident in "On the Rock," where the bronze surface tells its own story through subtle variations in texture and patina.
Why This Piece Belongs at Warblers
The decision to feature "On the Rock" at Warblers came from a moment of pure connection. Visiting one of Clinton's shows while planning our retreat, the sculpture spoke immediately to the essence of what we wanted to create here. Like the best art, it doesn't demand attention—it earns it through quiet presence and endless discovery.
Clinton believes that movement in sculpture helps hold a viewer's interest and makes one want to engage. "On the Rock" does exactly this. Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee or unwinding after a day of exploring, the sculpture invites contemplation and offers new perspectives with each viewing.
A Living Conversation Piece
What we love most about "On the Rock" is how it starts conversations. Guests often find themselves discussing what they see, sharing different interpretations, and discovering new details together. Clinton himself hopes that viewers feel something when they behold one of his pieces, and that the emotion might change over time. He asks a question that perfectly captures why this piece belongs at Warblers: "Can I lie on the couch and stare at this over the next 10 years and see new things?"
The answer, we've discovered, is absolutely yes.
Experience It Yourself
When you visit Warblers at Trinity, take a moment to sit with "On the Rock." Let your eyes wander across its surface. Notice how the light plays differently throughout the day, how your perspective shifts as you move around the room. Clinton's work creates art that resonates on a deeply personal level, and we believe you'll find your own story within its bronze curves.
Art at its best doesn't just decorate a space—it transforms it into something more meaningful. "On the Rock" does exactly that, turning our living room into a place where nature, creativity, and contemplation meet.We can't wait for you to discover what you see in its timeless form.
For booking information and to experience "On the Rock" in person, visit Warblers at Trinity or contact us at info@warblersattrinity.com.
