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David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

American, 1926-2015
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.
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Artist: David Hostetler
David Hostetler, Black, Female, White Face, Dancer, Mask
David Hostetler, Black, Female, White Face, Dancer, Mask

David Hostetler, Black, Female, White Face, Dancer, Mask

By David Hostetler

Located in Nantucket, MA

David Hostetler continued to mine dance imagery in his sculpture career. This is a strong, dynamic change in his forms. He is breaking away from crossing the arms in front to this fr...

Category

Early 2000s Contemporary David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

David Hostetler, Red, Pink, Green, Female Figures, Patterns, Bright Colors
David Hostetler, Red, Pink, Green, Female Figures, Patterns, Bright Colors

David Hostetler, Red, Pink, Green, Female Figures, Patterns, Bright Colors

By David Hostetler

Located in Nantucket, MA

David started to use the sculpture patterns he had accumulated over decades of carving to inspire paintings and prints. His sculpture method involved making a brown paper pattern, pi...

Category

2010s Contemporary David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

David Hostetler, Jazz Club, Horn Player, Dark, Outdoor Jazz, Music Playing

David Hostetler, Jazz Club, Horn Player, Dark, Outdoor Jazz, Music Playing

By David Hostetler

Located in Nantucket, MA

David Hostetler had his own jazz club attached to his art studio in Athens, OH. It was called Club Dave. His jazz club played almost every Friday in the winter season while he was in...

Category

2010s Contemporary David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

David Hostetler Colorful Group Figurative People Anasazi Indian American
David Hostetler Colorful Group Figurative People Anasazi Indian American

David Hostetler Colorful Group Figurative People Anasazi Indian American

By David Hostetler

Located in Nantucket, MA

David was inspired by the Anasazi petroglyphs with these shapes of the figures in this painting. It is an oil painting on Masonite. The frame is black wood- a shadow box concept. The...

Category

2010s Contemporary David Hostetler Figurative Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

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David Hostetler figurative paintings for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic David Hostetler figurative paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by David Hostetler in oil paint, paint, masonite and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large David Hostetler figurative paintings, so small editions measuring 25 inches across are available. David Hostetler figurative paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $5,500 and tops out at $9,500, while the average work can sell for $7,500.