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 - Stormwarning IV, Sculpture 2014
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Medium: 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...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel, Cut Steel
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 - 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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Metal, Steel
John Van Alstine - Round Mountain Landscape III, Sculpture 2002
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 basic l...
Category
Early 2000s Abstract John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Granite, Metal, Steel
John Van Alstine - Round Mountain Landscape III, Sculpture 2015
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 basic l...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Granite, Metal, Steel
John Van Alstine - Kyklos, Sculpture 2014
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
slate that has been 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 ...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Red Hips Hula III, Sculpture 2013
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 John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Steel
John Van Alstine - Crescent III, Sculpture 2003
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
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 basic le...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Granite, Steel
John Van Alstine - Wreathe III
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Wreathe III, John Van Alstine.
This sculpture will be shipped directly from the artist's studio.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Granite, Steel
John Van Alstine - Hudson Breach, Sculpture 2020
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Hyde 2021
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,...
Category
2010s Contemporary John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Concrete, Slate, Bronze
John Van Alstine - Blue Ara, Sculpture 2018
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
RECLINING FIGURE, John Van Alstine.
This sculpture will be shipped directly from the artist's studio.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Granite, Steel
John Van Alstine - Sisyphean Circle Q, Photography 2020
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
24" x 22" x 6"
Slate, Pigmented and Sealed Steel
The works strives to communicate on a number of different levels; physical, symbolic, and metaphorical. The duality of an eastern or...
Category
2010s John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Lunge III, Photography 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 Contemporary John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Lunge VI, Photography 2020
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Medium: 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 ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Steel
John Van Alstine - Sisyphean Circle 15-III, Photography 2015
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Sisyphean Circle 15-III, John Van Alstine.
This sculpture will be shipped directly from the artist's studio.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Steel
John Van Alstine - Trophy Column, Photography 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 is ...
Category
2010s John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
John Van Alstine - 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
"Pyxis Awry (big red)", Industrial, Abstract Sculpture in Metal & Stone
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"Pyxis (big red" by John Van Alstine
Pigmented and sealed steel
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone and metal, while exploring...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Steel
"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 Sculptures
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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Slate, Steel, Metal
"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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Granite, Metal, Steel, Bronze, Stainless Steel
Implement (Cornu)
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Implement
Bronze and Vermont Slate
17" x 33" x 8"
Stone and metal, usually granite or slate, and found object steel are central in my sculpture. The interaction of these materials i...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Bronze
Rockslide 7-21
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
Tiller VI
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
Pyxis Awry 2021 (Pontiac)
By John Van Alstine
Located in Greenwich, CT
Pyxis Awry 2021
Bronze
11 x 23 x 12
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
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
Cambre 7-21
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
Pyxis (Tower)
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
"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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Granite, 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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Granite, Metal, Bronze
"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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Metal, Steel, Stainless 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 Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Stone, 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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, 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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Granite, 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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Granite, 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 Sculptures
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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Steel
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 Sculptures
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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Steel
"BRONZE BEAM", Industrial Abstract Sculpture in Metal & Stone
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"BRONZE BEAM" by John Van Alstine
Riverstone and bronze
The sculpture of John Van Alstine beautifully, and powerfully, balances the union of stone and metal, while exploring the rel...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Metal, Bronze
"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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Bronze
"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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Steel
"FUNAMBULIST XV", Industrial Abstract Sculpture in Metal & Stone
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"FUNAMBULIST" by John Van Alstine
Riverstone, 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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Metal, Steel
"Kickback V", Industrial Abstract Sculpture in slate stone & steel metal
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"KICKBACK V" 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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, 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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, 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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Slate, 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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Steel
"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 Sculptures
Materials
Metal, Steel, Bronze
"SISYPHEAN CIRCLE XLV", Industrial Abstract Sculpture in Metal & Stone
By John Van Alstine
Located in New York, NY
"SISYPHEAN CIRCLE XLV" 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, wh...
Category
2010s Abstract John Van Alstine Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Slate, Metal, Steel
"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 Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Stone, Steel, Metal
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 Sculptures
Materials
Slate, Stone, 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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Slate, Steel, Bronze, Metal
"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 Sculptures
Materials
Slate, 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 Sculptures
Materials
Stone, Granite, Metal, 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.