Sisyphean Circle LX
View Similar Items
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5
John Van AlstineSisyphean Circle LX2015
2015
About the Item
- Creator:John Van Alstine (1952, American)
- Creation Year:2015
- Dimensions:Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 33 in (83.82 cm)Depth: 11 in (27.94 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Greenwich, CT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU251508302
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
More From This SellerView All
- John Van Alstine - Rockslide '22, Sculpture 2022By 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 ...Category
2010s Contemporary Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsSlate, Steel
- John Van Alstine - Sisyphean Holiday 35 (Speckled Stone), Sculpture 2017By John Van AlstineLocated in Greenwich, CTRiverstone/ 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 fo...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsStone, Metal, Steel
- John Van Alstine - Fledge 6-20 (criss-cross), Sculpture 2020By 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 i...Category
2010s Contemporary Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsSlate, Bronze
- Santiago Medina - INFINITY (OUTDOOR MONUMENTAL), Sculpture 2022By Santiago MedinaLocated in Greenwich, CTThis sculpture is made out of Outdoor Marine Italian Stainless Steel. This sculpture will be shipped directly from the artist's studio.Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsStainless Steel
- Santiago Medina - COSMOS TABLE TOP, Sculpture 2022By Santiago MedinaLocated in Greenwich, CTItalian Stainless Steel With Hyperthermal Prismatic Patina This sculpture will be shipped directly from the artist's studio.Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsMetal, Stainless Steel
Price Upon Request - INFINITY (OUTDOOR MONUMENTAL)By Santiago MedinaLocated in Greenwich, CTThis sculpture is made out of Outdoor Marine Italian Stainless Steel. This sculpture will be shipped directly from the artist's studio.Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsStainless Steel
Price Upon Request
You May Also Like
- "Unfolding the Magic" Kevin Box Folding Planes SculptureBy Kevin BoxLocated in Scottsdale, AZ"Unfolding the Magic" There is something magical about Kevin Box’s sculptures. Each one of them is an ode to imagination, to simplicity, to childhood fun. Viewers, however, experienc...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsStone, Bronze, Steel
- You put the magic in meBy Dionisios FragiasLocated in New York, NYDionisios Fragias is a New York -based artist born on the Greek island of Kefalonia and raised in New York City. He is the protege of the artist Jeff Koons whose years-long mentorshi...Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
- Memory PalaceBy Dionisios FragiasLocated in New York, NYDionisios Fragias is a New York -based artist born on the Greek island of Kefalonia and raised in New York City. He is the protege of the artist Jeff Koons whose years-long mentorshi...Category
2010s Abstract Impressionist Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
Price Upon Request - Minotaur BouquetBy Dionisios FragiasLocated in New York, NYDionisios Fragias is a New York -based artist born on the Greek island of Kefalonia and raised in New York City. He is the protege of the artist Jeff Koons whose years-long mentorshi...Category
2010s Abstract Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
Price Upon Request - Concussion GardenBy Dionisios FragiasLocated in New York, NYDionisios Fragias is a New York -based artist born on the Greek island of Kefalonia and raised in New York City. He is the protege of the artist Jeff Koons whose years-long mentorshi...Category
2010s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsSteel
Price Upon Request - The Afterparty (Octopus)By Dionisios FragiasLocated in New York, NYDionisios Fragias is a New York -based artist born on the Greek island of Kefalonia and raised in New York City. He is the protege of the artist Jeff Koons whose years-long mentorshi...Category
2010s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Sculptures
MaterialsSteel, Stainless Steel
Price Upon Request
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Carved Socrates
Chuck Krause On Sale
Joe Sultan
Used Pantie
Dan John Anderson
Friedrich Nietzsche
Beatrice Parsons
Camille Claudel Sculptures
Lake Powell
David Barber
Robert P Wheeler
Bob Schneider
Bird Skeleton
Bisque Porcelain Couple
Clock Of Anderson
Lori Cozen Geller
Chihuly Studio Edition
Minimalist Black Japanese Wall Sculpture