John Van Alstine Sculptures
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, 1970-72(Biography provided by C Fine Art)
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Artist: John Van Alstine
John Van Alstine, Tiller VI, Sculpture 2002-2021
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Tiller VI
15"h x23"w x5"d
Small
bronze and slate
Stone and metal, usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Bronze
John Van Alstine, Pyxis (Tower), Sculpture 2012
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pyxis
Bronze and Red Pigment
13" x 14" x 9"
Stone and metal, usually granite or slate, and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a ma...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
John Van Alstine, Cambre 7-21, Sculpture 2021
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Cambre 7-21
Slate and Bronze
21.5 x 13.5 x 4.5
Stone and metal,usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a m...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Bronze
John Van Alstine, Rockslide 7-21, Sculpture 2021
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Rockslide 7-21
Bronze and Slate
17.5 x 16 x 6
Stone and metal,usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a ma...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Bronze
"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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Granite, Metal, Steel
John Van Alstine - Sisyphean Circle LVIX, Sculpture 2014
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
10" x 16" x 4"
Small
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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract Expressionist John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - East River Landscape, Sculpture 2015
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Lunge V, Sculpture 2006
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
Early 2000s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Fleche VIII, Sculpture 2017
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Granite, Bronze, Steel
John Van Alstine - Sacandaga River Landscape II, Sculpture 2012
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 m...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Tiller VI, Sculpture 2020
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
2010s Contemporary John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Granite, Bronze
John Van Alstine - Rockslide '22, Sculpture 2022
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
2010s Contemporary John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Pique A Terre IV, Sculpture 1991
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
1990s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Acciaccato VI, Sculpture 2016
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract Expressionist John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate
John Van Alstine - Fledge 6-20 (criss-cross), Sculpture 2020
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 i...
Category
2010s Contemporary John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Bronze
John Van Alstine - Sling, Sculpture 2012
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
11.5" x 19" x 4"
Small
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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Steel
John Van Alstine - Sagitta III, Sculpture 2002
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Granite, 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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Granite, Metal, Steel
John Van Alstine - Pointe, Sculpture 2004
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Stainless Steel
John Van Alstine - Sidewinder
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Sisyphean Circle XLIV, Sculpture 2010
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
10" x 28" x 11"
Small
Slate, Pigmented, and Sealed Steel
Stone and metal, usually granite or slate, and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these mat...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Sisyphean Holiday XX (Long Bar), Sculpture 2007
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Charon's Steel Styx Passage, Sculpture 1996
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Charon's Steel Styx Passage, John Van Alstine.
Stone and metal, usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a ...
Category
1990s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Granite, Bronze, Steel
John Van Alstine - Quill II (Slate Rocker), Sculpture 2003
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Stainless Steel
John Van Alstine - Implement 39, Sculpture 2015
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - River Angler, Sculpture 2015
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Stormwarning V (Red Rain 3.14), Sculpture 2015
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Cudgel II, Sculpture 1991
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
1990s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate
John Van Alstine - Taughannock, Sculpture 2005
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
2010s John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, 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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel
John Van Alstine - River Landscape (Tail Fin)
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
2010s John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Sidewinder '07, Sculpture 2007
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
Early 2000s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Lunge XI, Sculpture 2014
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Stainless Steel
John Van Alstine - Stone in the Heart, Sculpture 2007
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - BEAM VII, Sculpture 2015
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Gvranite, 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 John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Granite, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel
John Van Alstine - Round Mountain Landscape, Sculpture 2001
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Round Mountain Landscape, John Van Alstine.
Stone and metal, usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a majo...
Category
Early 2000s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Granite, Steel
John Van Alstine - Lunge IV (Red Tail), Sculpture 2006
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Icarus (Frail Wings of Vanity), Sculpture 2010
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - CUDGEL 2012, Sculpture 2012
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
River Stone and Bronze
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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Expressionist John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Metal, Bronze
John Van Alstine - Sisyphean Holiday 35 (Speckled Stone), Sculpture 2017
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
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Metal, Steel
John Van Alstine - ACCIACCATO III, Sculpture 2015
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
slate/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. O...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel
John Van Alstine - Column XIV (Pointer), Photography 2002
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Column XIV (Pointer), John Van Alstine.
This sculpture will be shipped directly from the artist's studio.
Category
Early 2000s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Granite, Steel, Iron
John Van Alstine - CAMBRE IV, Sculpture 2004
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
oil 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 John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Enamel, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel
John Van Alstine - DORYPHORUS, Sculpture 2000
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
bronze and granite
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 bas...
Category
Early 2000s Abstract John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Granite, Bronze
John Van Alstine - Sisyphean Circle XXV, Sculpture 2007
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Sisyphean Circle XXV, John Van Alstine.
Stone and metal, usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a major f...
Category
Early 2000s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Hula V, Sculpture 2017
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Hula V, John Van Alstine.
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 mo...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Cambre V (Slate), Sculpture 2012
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
slate, 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 John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Slate, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel
John Van Alstine - Cornucopia With Columns, Sculpture 1998
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Cornucopia With Columns, John Van Alstine.
Stone and metal, usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a majo...
Category
1990s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Concrete, Steel, Iron
John Van Alstine - ARCOS, Sculpture 2002
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Rose Granite / 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 b...
Category
Early 2000s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Granite, Steel, Cut Steel
John Van Alstine - Sisyphean Circle, Sculpture 2013
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
slate/ powder coated 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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Slate, Steel, Cut Steel
John Van Alstine - Column 7-16, Sculpture 2016
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Column 7-16, John Van Alstine.
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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Granite, Steel
John Van Alstine - Sisyphean Circle LXIV, Photography 2015
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Sisyphean Circle LXIV by John Van Alstine.
Stone and metal, usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a majo...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate
John Van Alstine - Diagonal Tendencies, Sculpture 2013
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Slate, 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
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel, Cut Steel, Stainless Steel
John Van Alstine - Pique A Terre VIII, Photography 1999
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pique A Terre VIII, John Van Alstine.
Stone and metal, usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a major focu...
Category
1990s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Granite, Bronze
John Van Alstine - Schaats V, Photography 2020
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 ...
Category
2010s Contemporary John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Steel
John Van Alstine - Column XII (Strange Fruit), Sculpture 1999
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Column XII (Strange Fruit), John Van Alstine.
This sculpture will be shipped directly from the artist's studio.
Category
1990s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Granite, Bronze
John Van Alstine - Sisyphean Circle (Diagonally Down), Sculpture 2013
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Sisyphean Circle (Diagonally Down), John Van Alstine.
Stone and metal, usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these material...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Sisyphean Circle 8-14-17, Photography 2017
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Sisyphean Circle 8-14-17, John Van Alstine.
Stone and metal, usually granite or slate and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials is a maj...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Granite, Steel
John Van Alstine sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic John Van Alstine sculptures available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of sculptures 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 sculptures, so small editions measuring 8 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Casper Brindle, Clifford Singer, and Stephen Walling. John Van Alstine sculptures 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.