Frontpage Articles Sculpture and other artwork
A wood carver and bronze sculptor of works capturing the female form, he is also a professor emeritus of Ohio University. His art career spans more than 55 years, progressing from folk images to stylized forms. In addition to the art and academic worlds, he has explored farming, founding an art museum, drumming in a jazz band and collecting Americana. His works appear in more than 25 museums and galleries, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Milwaukee Museum and the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio. Pieces in public collections can be found from Nantucket and New Mexico to the Netherlands.
WHERE:
Hostetler and his wife, Susan Crehan Hostetler, live on a 40-acre farm outside Athens, Ohio during the winter months and in Nantucket, Mass., during the summer, where they own a gallery and where he plays drums in his own jazz band.
P.O. Box 989, Athens, OH 45701; (740) 593-8180
P.O. Box 2222, Nantucket, MA 02584; Gallery (508) 228-5152;
Studio (508) 228-3117.
Email: Susan at DavidHostetler.com
Web Page: www.davidhostetler.com
WHEN:
Born in Beach City, Ohio on December 27, 1926, his roots are Amish. Hostetler received his art degree from Indiana University in 1948 and in 1949, a Master's of Fine Arts from Ohio University, where he taught for 38 years. His career includes guest teaching and lecturing throughout the United States and Mexico. He retired as a full professor of sculpture from Ohio University in 1985. Some of his students who have gone on to fame include Jim Dine, whose work has been collected and exhibited internationally since 1960; David True, an artist who has exhibited at the Whitney Biennial and who now teaches at Columbia University; Harvey Breverman, a well-known painter and printmaker; Glenn Randall, a leader in the field of English antiques; and Dianne Perry Vanderlip, a curator of contemporary art at the Denver Art Museum.
Hostetler first entered the artistic world by accident. During World War II, while studying as an engineer in the Army, he suffered a shrapnel wound in the leg during a training exercise in California. While recuperating for six months, he became interested in art after receiving drawing materials from a Red Cross volunteer. This marked Hostetler's epiphany.
HOW:
Hostetler works with indigenous hardwoods including elm, cherry, catalpa, white oak, walnut and maple as well as exotic woods of purpleheart, ziricote and pink ivory, in addition to bronze.
WHY:
"My life centers around artful choices, the life rhythms, shapes and spaces and their infinite combinations. My lover, my nest, carving on a log, drumming, woodland meditation and archery are involved. The coming together of art, rhythm, forms and space can be magic. The quest for this magic gives my life purpose and provides my joy of being."
"My sculpture is woman with the mark of the present and the past cultures on her. Timeless woman as an object, a goddess, angular, sensual, stylized; but always filled with grace and vitality that is woman. Woman to me is the ideal form, erotic yet pure, compositionary variable, yet identical every time."
"My medium is wood. Wood appeals to my close affinity with nature and things organic. Wood is a magic material, alive and working organic, and never completely at rest."
"My 51-year art career has been a continuous quest of the nature of woman. It has led me from the contemporary woman as mother, wife, nurturer, to vamp, seductress and queen. Now the journey harkens to the pre-biblical period, to ancient civilizations of women-centered societies. My focus is the Near East with Minoan, Cretin and Cycladic imagery. Their ascendancy was from 12,000 to 500 BC."
"The goddess represents the all-encompassing power of woman, the manifestation of humanity as a part of a whole, part of the cosmos and part of nature; an image that men and woman can embrace equally. Among all goddesses, Asherah is my inspiration, for it is she who was carved from living trees as well as the image of the tree of life. This goddess is the embodiment of my passion for wood and all that is woman."
"I want to resurrect the Goddess Asherah and the goddess within all of us through my art. The goddess is a symbol of empowerment for woman that men will not resent or fear for it is a metaphor for earth as a living organism, an archetype for a balanced feminine consciousness that encompasses men and women as equals. Maybe this is a search for the strength of women in all of us."
NOTABLE:
Hostetler's piece The Duo is in a pocket park at Trump International Hotel & Tower in New York City. Commissioned by Philip Johnson, Donald Trump and Lizanne Galbreath, the rough-textured bronze depicts two slender figures, seemingly growing out of trees and touching at the arms. It honors the late Ohio real estate developer and philanthropist Dan Galbreath, Lizanne's father, and Trump's partner in the hotel and tower. Galbreath was a Hostetler collector.
Grounds for Sculpture commissioned Summertime Lady, an eleven-foot bronze, to grace the front of the museum that marks the entrance to the sculpture park. The painted and polished bronze figure with Ferrari red dress and BMW black hair. Summertime Lady is an example of the painted bronzes Hostetler has created using the high quality car paint, glazurit.
At age 78, Hostetler embarks on a new direction in his woodcarving that is inspired by the Anasazi American Indians of the southwest. Painting combined with sculptures are another avenue he is exploring.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
SELECTED BOOKS:
Hostetler the Carver, Ohio University Press
Masters of Wood Carving, Watson-Guptill
American Craftsmen, National Geographic Society
Contemporary Art with Wood, Crown Publishers
SELECTED PUBLIC COLLECTIONS:
Trump International Hotel & Tower, New York, N.Y.
Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Mass.
Kennedy Library, Boston, Mass.
Butler Institute of American Art, Ohio
Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, Ohio
Milwaukee Museum, Milwaukee, Wis.
Speed Museum, Louisville, KY
Montgomery Museum of Fine Art, Alabama
NARRATIVE BIOGRAPHY
David Hostetler is the creator of a series of original and captivating works in wood and bronze that honor and celebrate the female form. Inspired by goddesses and celebrated women of historical significance, Hostetler has based his entire life's work on capturing the spirit, romance and earthiness of "the feminine" in exotic woods and in bronze. Whether revealing the sensuousness of the female figure or rendering visible the gift of feminine intuition, Hostetler's works are moving, intriguing and a pleasure to touch and to see.
David Hostetler has been a celebrated American wood carver and bronze sculptor for over 50 years. His works appear in more than 25 museums and galleries, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Milwaukee Museum, and the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio. His pieces grace numerous public collections from Nantucket to New Mexico to the Netherlands.
Hostetler's most recent installation was commissioned by Donald Trump, Lizanne Galbreath and Philip Johnson as a memorial to Ohio real estate developer and philanthropist Dan Galbreath, who was a partner in Trump International Hotel and Tower in New York City. Galbreath was a friend to Hostetler and a collector of his sculptures. The 13 foot outdoor sculpture, "The Duo," was dedicated this past July and is installed at Columbus Circle overlooking Broadway. A rough textured bronze, "The Duo" depicts two slender figures touching at the arms and seemingly grown from trees. The work was originally conceived as a tribute by the artist to his wife.
Hostetler has earned wide acclaim for his unique treatment of the feminine form, his "women." Most of his pieces begin as wood carvings, with bronze versions cast directly from the wood. In the '60s, he gained national prominence with his American Woman Series - graceful, flowing wood sculptures. He initiated the series using indigenous hardwoods (elm, white oak, walnut, maple), then progressed from folk images to stylized symbols in exotic woods (purpleheart, ziricote and pink ivory). Celebrated photographer Yousuf Karsh created a unique portrait of Hostetler surrounded by his "women." His artwork has been featured in films, on television and in newspapers and magazines.
Born in Ohio in 1926, Hostetler had a close relationship with his Amish grandfather, an influence which has stayed with him throughout his career. He was raised in a small Ohio town and went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in Education from Indiana University. He obtained a Master's of Fine Arts from Ohio University, where he taught for thirty-eight years as a much appreciated professor and mentor and where he was named Professor Emeritus. Hostetler's career has included guest teaching and lecturing throughout the United States and Mexico. His students include a number of accomplished artists such as Jim Dine and others.
Although Hostetler is renowned as a sculptor, his experience is indeed diverse. He trained as an engineer, worked as a farmer and a salesman, owned his own commercial pottery factory and created an art commune. His long time appreciation of the great Jewish philosophers has inspired his interest in the Jewish faith, philosophy and way of life, and at the age of 69, Hostetler began studying to convert to Judaism. He has a deep love of music and currently plays drums in his own jazz band in Nantucket (MA), where he and his wife, Susan, also own a gallery. In winter, the Hostetlers live in Athens, Ohio.
The Grounds for Sculpture Park in Hamilton, New Jersey opened the park for the fall 2000 season with the unveiling of Hostetler's Summertime Lady. She stands 12 feet in a black reflecting pool in front of the museum. She is painted Ferrari red with BMW black hair and a polished face and shoulders. According to Seward Johnson, artist and owner of the Grounds for Sculpture Park, "I chose the most important and prominent location in the park to feature Hostetler's Ferrari red Summertime. The continual flow of the lines and the ultra smooth and brilliant surface sing next to the museum."
Johnson Atelier, an art foundry, has completed casting the 13 foot Asherah Tree Root Goddess. This is Hostetler's tallest and most complicated bronze to date. She was included in an outdoor sculpture show opening in the Spring of 2000 at Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wisconsin.
The Duo, Artist proof II of the same sculpture installed at the Trump International Hotel and Tower in New York City is on exhibit at the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, N.J.
A quote from, and photo of, David were recently used in a Woodcraft advertisement for Pfeil carving tools.
David started his art career in ceramics. He made ceramics, functional and art pottery until the early 1960
Hostetler the Carver details the diverse stages of Hostetler's career, the inspirations for his art, the individualistic path he chose - everything that helped shape his unique concept of The American Woman.
Published by the Ohio University Press in conjunction with The Ohio University College of Fine Arts, Hostetler the Carver documents David L. Hostetler's prolific forty year career as a sculptor and teacher.
This limited edition spans Hostetler's life from 1948 to 1991. It is filled with rich photographic images selected to provide a comprehensive overview of Hostetler's life and his work. David will sign and date each book. You may want your copy personalized!
Photo from 1960's
Hostetler on his Athens Farm, 1960's
Photo by Carl Fleischhauer
- Written by Richard Wootten, Arts critic and writer
- Critical Essay by Louis Zona, Director of the Butler Institute of American Art
- Foreward by Glenn Randall, Premier Antiques Dealer
- Selected photographs from Hostetler's personal files
- Showcasing the work of 14 award winning photographers
- Featuring portraits of Yousuf Karsh of Ottawa
Photo of Dancing Woman
"Dancing Woman," 1970's
Enhance or begin your Hostetler collection with "Hostetler The Carver"
Take advantage of this special initial price of $45.00 plus $7.00 shipping by sending the information below or calling us directly. Contact information is located here
We are very excited about this First Book. We know you will be too!
Sales tax for OH is 6.75%
Sales tax for MA is 5%
CONTACT
Susan Crehan,
Gallery Director
Email Susan
ATHENS, OHIO
P.O. Box 989
Athens, Ohio 45701
(740) 593-8180
(740) 592-6942 (Fax)
Winter Studio
(Mid-October through May)
NANTUCKET, MA
#2 Old South Wharf
Nantucket, MA 02584
(508) 228-5152 (Gallery)
(508) 228-3117 (Studio)
Summer Gallery
11 A.M. to 5 P.M.
(June through Mid-October)
A Muse Gallery
996 West Third Ave.
Columbus, OH 43212
Gallery Director: Caren Petersen
614-299-5003
Toll free 1-877-299-5003
Web Site
May 01, 2008
Talk about what's happening in David's world, ideas about exhibiting art in your home, office and garden, issues of preservation, care, evaluation. Choosing art and whatever!!
SELECTED BOOKS:
Hostetler the Carver, Ohio University Press
Masters of Wood Carving, Watson-Guptill
American Craftsmen, National Geographic Society
Contemporary Art with Wood, Crown Publishers
SELECTED PUBLIC COLLECTIONS:
Trump International Hotel & Tower, New York, N.Y.
Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Mass.
Kennedy Library, Boston, Mass.
Butler Institute of American Art, Ohio
Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, Ohio
Milwaukee Museum, Milwaukee, Wis.
Speed Museum, Louisville, KY
Montgomery Museum of Fine Art, Alabama
Originated with material shot for a film project by The Nature Conservancy and The Bowen House to document living "icons" of Ohio. Filmaker Eric Homen added more footage of David in his studio and home in Athens to add to the Hostetler story. Film is 19 minutes.
Film and postage $10
OH sales tax 6.75%
MA sales tax 5%
Originally created for Plum TV in Nantucket, MA David was chosen as one of four Nantucket Icons for this long feature. David is in his Nantucket home talking about his life and art. Film is 4 minutes
Film and postage is $10
OH sales tax is 6.75%
MA sales tax is 5%
DVD Marshall Frederick Museum
October 12, 2007-January 26, 2008, Sponsored by Dow Chemical
David Hostetler being interviewed at exhibit talking about the show and his art. Film is 15 minutes. For sale through Marshall Frederick Sculpture Museum, 7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI 48710
989-964-7125
Film is 15 minutes.
Copyright 2007
David's work was featured in the Columbus, Ohio issue of House Trends in April 2008.
View the article:
Click Here
Recent Exhibits
- Asherah, 9' IPEWood, Lindley Cultural Center, Ohio University
- The Duo, 10' Bronze, Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton, N.J.
- Sculptors: A Portfolio of Photographs, by Richard Barros, Fall-Winter Exhibition, Sept 26 - Feb 28, 1999
- Sculpture on the Green, Feb 11 - March 28, 1998, Worthington, OH
- The City of the Arts, April 30 - May 4, 1997, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Recent Publications
- Tulsa World, "Collectors See the Light on Hanukkah" December 17, 1998
- The Ohio Jewish Chronicle, featuring David's Menorah, July 23, 1998
- Active Years, "Hot Springs Celebrates Visual Arts", April, 1997
- The Spring Magazine, April, 1997
Recent Newspaper Articles
- The Columbus Dispatch, Sunday, November 7, 1999
- Boston Herald, Sunday, May 16, 1999
- Times Weekender, Northern Virginia, Wednesday, April 24, 1999
- The Washington Times, Arts Section, Saturday, April 24, 1999
- Chicago Tribune, Sunday, March 14, 1999
- Private Clubs, December, 1998
- The Columbus Dispatch, Monday, March 23, 1998
- The Dallas Morning News, December 21, 1997
- Arkansas Weekend, Friday, April 25, 1997
SELECTED BOOKS:
Hostetler the Carver, Ohio University Press
Masters of Wood Carving, Watson-Guptill
American Craftsmen, National Geographic Society
Contemporary Art with Wood, Crown Publishers
Besides making art, David has been the sole character in a full feature high definition film being made on his life and work encompassing 60 years. Every week, the film makers took over a day interviewing, filming and watching David. They also researched his archives for old photos and film footage to include.
Susan was the chair of the decorating committee for the gala fundraiser for Nantucket Boys and Girls Club. This 500 person event is the premier event for the Club. David was very involved helping Susan's team with the giant blow-up photos of the kids in the club that were used to line the sides of the tent.
Susan and David hosted a fundraising dinner-photo shoot party in their home to benefit A Safe Place. Photographer, Sam Girton set up a photo booth where guests took spontaneous photos of themselves, while in another part of the house; Sam took portraits of the guests, Richard Avedon style.
David played jazz drummer at Cinco's restaurant. Richard Sylvester's Jazz Trio played every Thrusday through the summer. David sat in to add his own personal touch to this very talented group. He will take it up more next summer too!
David is carving 2 wood sculpture commissions. He knew the form he was reaching for and found the log to compliment the form. An unusual switch from letting the wood dictates the form.
A painting commission at 36"h x 70"w for an east coast college.
On the carving bench right now is
- A monumental head in burl, about 30"h x 24"w
- A torso in zebra, about 42"h
- A full length figure of David's concept of Barbie in mahogany
- A full length figure as a development of his "Issy Miyake" take on the dress form about 4 feet tall.
Heyman Properties presents "Celebrating Women"
Show runs from June 2 through August 30th 2004
Show opened Wednesday, June 2nd with an opening ceremony.
The City of Stamford teams up with businesses to bring in 6 sculptor's works which will be exhibited throughout the city and its park areas. David Hostetler will have 6 large scaled bronzes in the show. This is the first time so many of David's large bronzes will be seen in a public forum. A catalogue will be produced.
"Asherah Tree Goddess", his largest bronze will make her first City debut. Asherah was featured in the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum's show "Art/Nature Nurture, in 2000. Exhibited pieces will include:
Asherah Tree Goddess
Tribal Figure
Duo
Asherah II
Homage to Woman
Eternal Woman
In 2007:
- 60 year Retrospective at Mansfield Art Center, Mansfield, OH, Spring, 2007
- One Man show at The Gallery at Pennsylvania College of Technology, Fall, 2006, Full color catalogue available
- One man exhibit at A Muse Gallery, Fall, 2006
- DIFFA in Columbus, Ohio. 5 Hostetler sculptures and 5 "Face with Red Lips" prints were part of the Saks Fifth Avenue Room designed for the weekend event sponsored by Columbus Aids Task Force and Elle Decor Magazine, May 2007
Currently 28 Hostetler sculptures, prints and paintings are in a one man show at Marshall Frederick Museum, Saginaw MI trough January 2008
Hostetler's Asherah Tree Goddess, an 11 foot bronze will be on exhibit in Miami Florida January 11 through February 3, 2008 in Monumental World Art, Miami Beach
"Goddesses" ran from April 30th through June 20th, 2004
Show opened on Friday, April 30th with a preview party from 6 to 8pm in the gallery.
David spoke on Thursday, April 29th at 2:30pm
This show is a very important gathering of David's pivotal supporter in a prestigious art gallery. The Joseloff Gallery is well known in the art world for dynamic exhibits and catalogues of distinguished artists of the 20th century.
Zina Davis, Director of the Joseloff Gallery has curated the all wood sculpture exhibit titled "Goddesses". The focus has been on the development of the root forms and the more ancient imagery of the last ten years.
A catalogue will accompany the show. Email or call us for a copy.
The exhibit appeared at:
Joseloff Gallery at University of Hartford
200 Bloomfield St.
West Hartford, Connecticut
