David Hostetler

"Semaphore IV" by David Hostetler

2020

David Hostetler was the creator of a series of captivating and original works in exotic wood and bronze that honor and celebrate the female form. Inspired by goddesses and celebrated women of historical significance, Hostetler has based his life’s work on capturing the spirit, romance, and earthiness of “woman.” Whether revealing the sensuousness of the female figure or rendering visible the beauty of the feminine mystique, Hostetler’s works are a pleasure to touch and visually captivating. For 67 years, David Hostetler’s reputation as a celebrated sculptor has grown exponentially. His works appear in over twenty-five museums , including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts, Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey, and the Decordova Museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts. Hostetler’s pieces grace public collections throughout the world. “The Duo,” Hostetler’s most visible installation, was selected by Philip Johnson for the Trump International Hotel and Tower in New York City. The 13-foot outdoor sculpture, depicts two slender figures side by side, slightly touching, seemingly grown from the ground naturalistically. In 2012, The IKON a 13 foot bronze was commissioned by The Sheffield, at 87th Street between 8th and 9th Ave. in NYC. Hostetler’s unique treatment of the feminine form has earned him wide acclaim. Most of his “women” begin as single logs, which he carved by hand into sculpture. These woodcarvings occasionally take on an alternate life as bronzes, cast directly from their wood counterparts. In the 1960s Hostetler rose to national prominence with his “American Woman” series of sculptures. Hostetler’s Amish heritage initiated the series, in that he carved folk images from Ohio’s indigenous trees (elm, white oak, walnut, maple). As the series evolved into more slender, stylized figures, Hostetler also transitioned into exotic woods to compliment his vision (purple heart, ziricote, and pink ivory). Celebrated photographer Yousuf Karsh captured Hostetler with his sculpture in a series of photographs. Born in Beach City, Ohio , David Hostetler’s Amish grandfather profoundly influenced him both personally and artistically. After serving proudly in World War II, Hostetler went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in education from Indiana University, and his Masters of Fine Arts at Ohio University. For thirty-eight years Hostetler served Ohio University as a teacher and mentor, for which he achieved Professor Emeritus. He was a guest teacher throughout the United States and Mexico. His students include a number of accomplished artists, such as Jim Dine. Although Hostetler is renowned as a sculptor, his experience is diverse. He trained, as an engineer, worked as a farmer and salesman, owned his own commercial pottery company, and created an art commune, Art Park. Hostetler’s longtime appreciation of religions inspired his study of Judaism. A constant pursuit of intellectual growth and development of new skills resulted in learning to spin wool, build furniture, and create stained glass. Hostetler continued to study women’s history, shamanism, the history of jazz music, American craft, tools and folk art. The Last Dance, (2008) an EMMY award winning documentary video captures his spirit and art making.