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
Tiller VI
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
Fledge 6-20 (criss-cross)
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
River Flow - Eddy
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
Catapulta XVII
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
Sacandaga River Landscape (Auger Falls II)
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 focu...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Stainless Steel
Fleche VIII
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
Sisyphean Circle Beijing XXIX (Pique)
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Ny Bluestone, Pigmented 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 th...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Bluestone, Steel
Pique A Terre IV
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
Rockslide '22
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
Pointe
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
Pike
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Granite, Pigmented 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 mos...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Granite, Steel
Quill II (Slate Rocker)
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
BATON (Catapulta II)
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
river stone, pigmented 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 th...
Category
Early 2000s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Stainless Steel, Steel, Cut Steel
Sagitta III
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 LVIX
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
Sagitta IV
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Painted Stone, 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 ba...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Steel
Sling
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
Implement 39
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
Sisyphean Circle (Recliner)
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Granite, 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, Steel
Dark Bark Juggler
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 basic level the ...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Catapulta XIV
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 foc...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Steel
Acciaccato VI
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
Sacandaga River Landscape II
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
Riverdance
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 foc...
Category
2010s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Steel
East River Landscape
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
River Angler
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
Sisyphean Circle XLIV
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
Icarus (Frail Wings of Vanity)
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
Taughannock
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
Sisyphean Holiday XXXV (speckled stone)
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
9" x 14" 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 mat...
Category
2010s Abstract Expressionist John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Steel
Cudgel II
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
Lunge V
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
Kickback II
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
Lunge IV (Red Tail)
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
Stone in the Heart
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
Sisyphean Holiday XX (Long Bar)
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
Sacandaga River Landscape
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
Sidewinder '07
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
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
ACCIACCATO III
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
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
Lunge XI
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
BEAM VII
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
Saxum Velum / Fully Freighted
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Saxum Velum / Fully Freighted, 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
Stormwarning V (Red Rain 3.14)
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
Column XIV (Pointer)
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Column XIV (Pointer), John Van Alstine.
Category
Early 2000s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Granite, Steel, Iron
Sisyphean Circle XLV
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
Sisyphean Circle XXV
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
CAMBRE IV
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
ARCOS
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 ...
Category
Early 2000s Abstract Geometric John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Granite, Steel, Cut Steel
Charon's Steel Styx Passage
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
Column 7-16
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
Sisyphean Circle 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
Round Mountain Landscape
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
Diagonal Tendencies 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
Cambre V (Slate)
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
Sisyphean Holiday 35 (Speckled Stone)
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
Cornucopia With Columns
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 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 Scott Troxel, Casper Brindle, and Clifford Singer. John Van Alstine sculptures prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at £2,822 and tops out at £76,598, while the average work can sell for £11,893.