John Van Alstine Art
American, b. 1952
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, 1970-72to
2
1
4
5
16
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
28
28
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
28
27
25
19
13
46
41
28
27
22
28
Artist: John Van Alstine
Dealer: C Fine Art
COLUMN 7-16, Contemporary Abstract Outdoor Sculpture, Stone, Metal, Industrial
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"COLUMN 7-16" by John Van Alstine
Stone, galvanized and powder-coated steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone and metal, whi...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Metal, Steel
"ROCKSLIDE D.T.’s", Industrial Abstract Sculpture in Metal & Stone
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"ROCKSLIDE D.T.’s" by John Van Alstine
Slate, pigmented and sealed steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone and metal, while ...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Steel
"Saxum Velum (stone sail)", Large-Scale, Outdoor Abstract Stone Sculpture
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"Saxum Velum (stone sail)" by John Van Alstine
Granite and bronze
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone and metal, while explori...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Granite, Metal, Bronze
"Hamilton Co. Rockslide", Industrial, Abstract Sculpture in Metal & Stone
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"Hamilton Co. Rockslide" by John Van Alstine
Green granite, pigmented and sealed steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone and...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Granite, Metal, Steel
"Sisyphean Circle Beijing Series XXXII", Industrial Abstract Sculpture
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"Sisyphean Circle Beijing Series XXXII" by John Van Alstine
Slate, pigmented steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone and met...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Steel
"IMPLEMENT (stout handle II)", Industrial Abstract Sculpture in Metal & Stone
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"IMPLEMENT (stout handle II)" by John Van Alstine
Bronze and slate
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone and metal, while explor...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Bronze
"PORTALS AND PASSAGES 4-20", Industrial Abstract Sculpture in metal
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"PORTALS AND PASSAGES 4-20" by John Van Alstine
Bronze, pigmented and sealed steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone and met...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Metal, Steel, Bronze
"RIVER LANDSCAPE (tailfin)", Industrial Abstract Sculpture in Metal & Stone
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"RIVER LANDSCAPE (tailfin)" by John Van Alstine
Slate, pigmented and sealed steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone and meta...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Steel
SISYPHEAN CIRCLE 12-18, Slate, Steel Industrial Abstract Sculpture, Metal, Stone
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"SISYPHEAN CIRCLE 12-18" by John Van Alstine
Slate, Pigmented & Sealed Steel
Stone, Metal, Sculpture, Abstract, Contemporary, Outdoor, Industrial, Industry, Nature, Orange, Red, Cir...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Slate, Stone, Steel, Metal
"Sisyphean Circle 8-14-17", Industrial, Abstract Sculpture in Metal & Stone
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"Sisyphean Circle 8-14-17" by John Van Alstine
Granite, galvanized and powder-coated steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Granite, Metal, Steel
"Round Mountain Landscape", Industrial, Abstract Sculpture in Metal & Stone
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"Round Mountain Landscape" by John Van Alstine
Granite and steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone and metal, while explorin...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Granite, Metal, Steel
"Fleche (diagonally down)", Industrial Abstract Sculpture in Metal & Stone
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"Fleche (diagonally down)" by John Van Alstine
Granite, bronze, stainless steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone and metal,...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Granite, Metal, Bronze, Steel, Stainless Steel
"Sisyphean Circle (twirl IV)", Industrial, Abstract Sculpture in Metal & Stone
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"Sisyphean Circle (twirl IV)" by John Van Alstine
Granite, galvanized and powder-coated steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of st...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Granite, Metal, Steel
"QUILL II (Slate Rocker)", Industrial Abstract Sculpture in Metal & Stone
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"QUILL II (Slate Rocker)" by John Van Alstine
NY State slate, pigmented and sealed steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone a...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Steel
"Sisyphean Circle (homage to Major Taylor)", Industrial, Abstract Sculpture
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"Sisyphean Circle (homage to Major Taylor)" by John Van Alstine
Slate, pigmented and sealed steel
"Major Taylor's legacy lies in his willingness to chall...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Granite, Metal, Steel
"Pointe (kyklos III)", Industrial, Abstract Sculpture in Metal & Stone
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"Pointe (kyklos III)" by John Van Alstine
Slate, pigmented and sealed steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone and metal, whi...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Steel
"Sisyphean Circle (diagonally down)", Industrial, Abstract Sculpture
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"Sisyphean Circle (diagonally down)" by John Van Alstine
Slate, pigmented and sealed steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Steel
"Buoy", Industrial, Abstract, Large-Scale Outdoor Sculpture in Metal & Stone
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"Buoy" by John Van Alstine
Granite and steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone and metal, while exploring the relationship o...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Granite, Metal, Steel
"LUNGE 2-20", Industrial Abstract Sculpture in slate stone & steel metal
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"LUNGE 2-20" by John Van Alstine
Slate, pigmented and sealed steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone and metal, while explor...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Steel
"Reconsidering Sisyphus (fallen obelisk)", Large, Industrial, Abstract Sculpture
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"Reconsidering Sisyphus (fallen obelisk)" by John Van Alstine
Granite, galvanized and powder-coated steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Granite, Metal, Steel
POINTER (K Back), Industrial Abstract Sculpture, Slate Stone Bronze Steel Metal
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"POINTER (K Back)" by John Van Alstine
Slate, Bronze, Pigmented Steel
Stone, Metal, Sculpture, Abstract, Contemporary, Outdoor, Industrial, Industry, Nature, Orange, Red
The sculpt...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Steel, Bronze
"Sacandaga River Landscape XI", Industrial, Abstract Sculpture in Metal & Stone
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"Sacandaga River Landscape XI" by John Van Alstine
NY State green granite, pigmented and sealed steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the uni...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Granite, Metal, Steel
"Sacandaga River Landscape IX", Industrial, Abstract Sculpture in Metal & Stone
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"Sacandaga River Landscape IX" by John Van Alstine
Stone, pigmented and sealed steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone and m...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Metal, Steel
"Cambre V", Slate & Steel Abstract Sculpture, Contemporary, Metal, Stone, Orange
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"CAMBRE V" by John Van Alstine
Slate, Steel & Pigment
Stone, Metal, Sculpture, Abstract, Contemporary, Large, Outdoor, Industrial, Industry, Nature, Orange
The sculpture of John Va...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Slate, Steel
"Sisyphean Circle (tank top)", Large-Scale, Outdoor Abstract Sculpture
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"Sisyphean Circle (tank top)" by John Van Alstine
Riverstone, stainless, galvanized, and powder-coated steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances ...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Metal, Steel, Stainless Steel
"AUGER (cornu)", Industrial Abstract Sculpture in Metal & Stone
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"AUGER (cornu)" by John Van Alstine
Vermont slate and bronze
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone and metal, while exploring th...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Bronze
"Sisyphean Circle (tefillin)", Industrial Abstract Sculpture in Stone & Metal
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"Sisyphean Circle (tefillin)" by John Van Alstine
Slate and Powder-Coated, Galvanized Steel
Stone, Metal, Sculpture, Abstract, Contemporary, Outdoor, Industrial, Industry, Nature, R...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Steel
"Ascension (red reamer)", Abstract Outdoor Sculpture, Stone, Metal, Industrial
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"Ascension (red reamer)" by John Van Alstine
Granite, red pigmented and sealed steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone and m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Granite, Metal, Steel
Related Items
Looking - tall, geometric abstract, powder coated outdoor steel sculpture
By Ryan Van Der Hout
Located in Bloomfield, ON
In this intriguing sculpture by Ryan Van Der Hout, a multitude of mirrors reflect the images of sky and land that surround it. Forged from powder-coated steel, each lens is mounted o...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Steel
H 100 in W 48 in D 48 in
Red Vine - Large Steel Geometric Red Sculpture
By Granville Beals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. Concerned with form and abstraction, he does not merely manipula...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Metal, Steel
7 Folded Circles - Large Red Steel Tall Geometric Indoor Outdoor Sculpture
By Granville Beals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' modern industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. Concerned with form and abstraction, he does not merely m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Metal, Steel
Mother & Child, Mid-Century Figural Brutalist Bronze Sculpture by Curt Beckmann
By Curt Beckmann
Located in Soquel, CA
Mother & Child, Mid-Century Figural Brutalist Bronze Sculpture by Curt Beckmann
Rare and evocative mid-century figural bronze sculpture of mother and fleeing young child by Curt Bec...
Category
1960s Abstract Impressionist John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Granite, Bronze
H 15.75 in W 16 in D 11.25 in
La Brecha Study #3 (Indoor Sculpture), Matt Devine_Steel/Powdercoat/ Red
By Matt Devine
Located in 326 N Coast Hwy. | Laguna Beach, CA
La Brecha Study #3, 2021
steel with powder coat and concrete base (indoor only)
16H x 6W x 6D inches
Matt Devine is a self-taught sculptor working with steel, aluminum and bronze. B...
Category
2010s Contemporary John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Concrete, Steel
H 16 in W 6 in D 6 in
5 Floating Circles - Large Geometric Red Steel Sculpture
By Granville Beals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. Concerned with form and abstraction, he does not merely manipula...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Metal, Steel
H 70 in W 30 in D 20 in
Ode to the Ancient Monarch aluminum sculpture by James C. Myford
Located in Hudson, NY
This work is aluminum on a black slate base, measuring 28.5" x 9" x 6".
Myford's interest in aluminum began in 1970 when he attended a workshop sponsored by Alcoa at the Art Center ...
Category
1970s Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Slate, Metal
H 28.5 in W 9 in D 6 in
Event Horizon - Modern 3 Dimensional Steel Sculpture for Coffee Table / Shelf
By Granville Beals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. Concerned with form an...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Metal, Steel
Three Totems - Large Oversized Abstract Modern Textural Grey Steel Sculptures
By Granville Beals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. His original artworks capture the essence of Abstract Expression...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Metal, Steel
Hi-Beam 1 - Modern Steel Geometric Sculpture
By Granville Beals
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. Concerned with form and abstraction, he does not merely manipula...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Metal, Steel
John Van Alstine - Catapulta XVII, Sculpture 2010
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 fo...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel
"Infinity"
By Katib Mamedov
Located in Edinburgh, GB
The shape of the sculpture is a complex intertwining of smooth, curved metal lines, resembling an abstract symbol of infinity. The mirror-like surface of the bronze reflects light, c...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Granite, Bronze
Previously Available Items
"LUNGE (cornu)", Industrial Abstract Sculpture in Slate Stone & Bronze Metal
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"LUNGE (cornu)" by John Van Alstine
Slate and bronze
Stone, Metal, Sculpture, Abstract, Contemporary, Outdoor, Industrial, Industry, Nature, Indoor, Rock
The sculpture of John Van ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Bronze
H 17.5 in W 26 in D 5.5 in
"ROCKSLIDE (Hook)", Industrial Abstract Sculpture in Stone & Metal
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"ROCKSLIDE (Hook)" by John Van Alstine
Slate and Powder-Coated, Galvanized Steel
Stone, Metal, Sculpture, Abstract, Contemporary, Outdoor, Industrial, Industry, Nature, Red, Indoor,...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Steel
H 37 in W 18 in D 6 in
"ROCKSLIDE (Kyklos II)", Industrial Abstract Sculpture in Stone & Metal
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"ROCKSLIDE (Kyklos II)" by John Van Alstine
Slate and Powder-Coated, Galvanized Steel
Stone, Metal, Sculpture, Abstract, Contemporary, Outdoor, Industrial, Industry, Nature, Red, Ci...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Steel
"Chalice VI", Contemporary Abstract Outdoor Sculpture, Stone, Metal, Industrial
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"Chalice VI" by John Van Alstine
Granite, Aluminum and Bronze
Stone, Metal, Sculpture, Abstract, Contemporary, Outdoor, Industrial, Industry, Nature, Balance, Fulcrum, Large
The sc...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Granite, Metal
SISYPHEAN HOLIDAY 39, Abstract Sculpture, Stone, Metal, Steel, Industrial, Red
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"SISYPHEAN HOLIDAY 39" by John Van Alstine
Riverstone, Pigmented & Sealed Steel
Stone, Metal, Sculpture, Abstract, Contemporary, Outdoor, Industrial, Industry, Nature, Orange, Red, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Metal, Steel
SISYPHEAN CIRCLE (blue ribbon), Abstract Sculpture, Stone, Metal, Industrial
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"SISYPHEAN CIRCLE (blue ribbon)" by John Van Alstine
Slate, Steel, Enamel
Stone, Metal, Sculpture, Abstract, Contemporary, Outdoor, Industrial, Industry, Nature, Blue, Circle, Round...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Steel, Enamel
SISYPHEAN HOLIDAY 34, Abstract Sculpture, Stone, Metal, Steel, Industrial, Red
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"SISYPHEAN HOLIDAY 34" by John Van Alstine
Riverstone, Pigmented & Sealed Steel
Stone, Metal, Sculpture, Abstract, Contemporary, Outdoor, Industrial, Industry, Nature, Orange, Red, ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Art
Materials
Stone, Metal, Steel
John Van Alstine art for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic John Van Alstine art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of blue, green and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by John Van Alstine in metal, stone, steel 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 abstract style. Not every interior allows for large John Van Alstine art, so small editions measuring 8 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Casper Brindle, Stephen Walling, and Kim Seungwoo. John Van Alstine art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $3,500 and tops out at $95,000, while the average work can sell for $17,750.