Items Similar to John Van Alstine - Catapulta XVII, Sculpture 2010
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
John Van AlstineJohn Van Alstine - Catapulta XVII, Sculpture 20102010
2010
About the Item
riverstone, pigmented and sealed steel
Stone and metal, usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a major focus. On the most basic level the work is about the marriage of the natural with the human-made.
Stone is used as an assemblage element, the way a welder uses steel, rather than in the traditional manner of subtraction. In contrast to the timelessness of stone, the found-object metal (sometimes cast bronze) is time-specific - 20th century industrial. The industrial / structural characteristics inherent in the metal are often employed to physically connect or suspend stone elements allowing a "choreographing" or "floating" of stone. At their best, a compelling visual / physical irony is created.
The works strives to communicate on a number of different levels; physical, symbolic, metaphorical. The duality of an eastern or oriental acceptance of stone and a 20th century industrial American “can do” attitude toward metal is central to the work and an important characteristic that distinguishes it.
- Creator:John Van Alstine (1952, American)
- Creation Year:2010
- Dimensions:Height: 11 in (27.94 cm)Width: 8 in (20.32 cm)Depth: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Greenwich, CT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU25114040372
John Van Alstine
BIOGRAPHY Born in upstate New York in 1952, John Van Alstine grew up in the southern Adirondack Mountains. After attending St. Lawrence University, Kent State University (BFA 1974) and Cornell University (MFA 1976), he joined the faculty at the University of Wyoming, Laramie, and later the University of Maryland, College Park, to teach drawing and sculpture. In 1986 he left teaching and moved to the New York area to pursue studio work full-time. In 1987 he purchased a 19th century industrial complex on the banks of the Sacandaga River and returned to the Adirondacks where he now lives and works in the restored historic structure. Van Alstine's work is held in many private and public and corporate collections in the United States and Europe. He has completed many large scale outdoor, site-specific commissions. ARTIST STATEMENT The union of stone and metal—recently rough-hewn New York slate and found object steel—are central in my sculpture. On its most basic level, the work is about the marriage of the natural with the human-made. Stone is used as an assemblage element in the way a welder uses steel, rather than in the traditional manner of subtraction. In contrast to the timelessness of stone, the found-object steel is very time-specific—20th century industrial. The industrial and structural characteristics inherent in the metal are often employed in the work and used to physically connect or suspend stone elements. The strength of the metal allows for a "choreographing" or "floating" of typically earthbound stone. The Sisyphean Circle Series is an attempt to draw parallels between the Greek mythological character and the plight of the artist. As we all know, Sisyphus was forced to roll a large stone up a steep hill, only to have it tumble back after reaching the top. A toil that lasts an eternity is an applicable metaphor for the creative process—especially for a stone sculptor, on both a physical and symbolic level. I am constantly pushing stone around the studio, striving to reach a creative "peak", and once there, start over on the next piece. The process is neverending. Albert Camus, the French existentialist, in his essay The Myth of Sisyphus, used this myth to illustrat his notion that reaching one’s final destination is not of utmost importance. In fact, if one "reconsiders Sisyphus", as Camus suggests, the struggle or journey reveals itself as, ultimately, the most meaningful—an idea that I, and many others, believe is central to the creative process. EDUCATION Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, M.F.A., Cornell Graduate Fellowship in Sculpture, 1976 Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, B.F.A. cum laude, Sculpture, Ceramics and Glass, 1974
Blossom Festival School, Cleveland-Kent, Ohio, 1973, Studied with Richard Stankiewicz, Richard Hunt
St. Lawrence University, Canton, New York, 1970-72
About the Seller
4.9
Platinum Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
Established in 2012
1stDibs seller since 2013
144 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Wells, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- John Van Alstine - Cambre V (Slate), Sculpture 2012By John Van AlstineLocated in Greenwich, CTslate, pigmented and sealed steel Stone and metal, usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a major focus. ...Category
2010s Abstract Geometric Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsStone, Slate, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel
- John Van Alstine - CAMBRE IV, Sculpture 2004By John Van AlstineLocated in Greenwich, CToil enamel on steel stone Stone and metal, usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a major focus. On the m...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Geometric Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsStone, Enamel, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel
- John Van Alstine - Fleche VIII, Sculpture 2017By John Van AlstineLocated in Greenwich, CTStone and metal,usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a major focus. On the most basic level the work is ...Category
2010s Abstract Geometric Sculptures
MaterialsGranite, Bronze, Steel
- John Van Alstine - BEAM VII, Sculpture 2015By John Van AlstineLocated in Greenwich, CTGvranite, pigmented and sealed steel. Stone and metal, usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a major foc...Category
2010s Abstract Geometric Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsStone, Granite, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel
- John Van Alstine - Sagitta III, Sculpture 2002By John Van AlstineLocated in Greenwich, CTStone and metal,usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a major focus. On the most basic level the work is ...Category
2010s Abstract Geometric Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsGranite, Stainless Steel
- John Van Alstine - Pointe, Sculpture 2004By John Van AlstineLocated in Greenwich, CTStone and metal,usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a major focus. On the most basic level the work is ...Category
2010s Abstract Geometric Sculptures
MaterialsSlate, Stainless Steel
You May Also Like
- Primary 16By JP LongLocated in Glen Ellen, CAJP Long's free-standing abstract sculpture "Primary 16" features four square forms seemingly in motion, as if they are tumbling off the simple rectangular base. The tall base and the...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Geometric Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsSteel
- ERO - Metal Arrow Wall Art SculptureBy ENNAIALocated in Weslaco, TXThe arrow has a great symbolic meaning, related to elements of different natures such as protection, love, hunt, and orientation. "Ero" refers to this as an evolution symbol and the ...Category
2010s Abstract Geometric Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
- ALERO - Abstract Metal SculptureBy ENNAIALocated in Weslaco, TXFrom the artifacts of Leonardo Da Vinci, to the mythical Icarus and the innumerable inventions of NASA, the human being does not stop manifesting one of its deepest desires: to fly. ...Category
2010s Abstract Geometric Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
- ANISA - Modern Square Metal Wall Art SculptureBy ENNAIALocated in Weslaco, TXAnisa, made up of mosaic-like structures, demonstrates how the repetition of the same element can cause it to be perceived very differently, depending on the angle from which it is v...Category
2010s Abstract Geometric Sculptures
MaterialsStainless Steel, Steel
- ALERO - Abstract Metal SculptureBy ENNAIALocated in Weslaco, TXFrom the artifacts of Leonardo Da Vinci, the mythical Icarus, and the innumerable inventions of NASA, the human being does not stop manifesting one of our deepest desires: to fly. Pe...Category
2010s Abstract Geometric Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
- Small Stainless Steel Bear 'Sandy'Located in Valencia, ESMade in Spain, 2024. A simple form builds a complex one. In our approach, we go from the opposite, representing complex things in simple forms. So, our bear consists of only 9 simple...Category
2010s Abstract Geometric Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel