David Hostetler
David Hostetler – Profile
David Hostetler has been a celebrated American wood carver and bronze sculptor for over 61 years. His works appear in more than 25 museums and galleries, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton NJ and the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio. His pieces grace numerous public collections from Nantucket to New Mexico to the Netherlands.
David Hostetler is the creator of a series of original and captivating works in wood and bronze that honor and celebrate the female form. Inspired by goddesses and celebrated women of historical significance, Hostetler has based his entire life’s work on capturing the spirit, romance and earthiness of “the feminine” in exotic woods and in bronze. Whether revealing the sensuousness of the female figure or rendering visible the gift of feminine intuition, Hostetler’s works are moving, intriguing and a pleasure to touch and to see.
David Hostetler has been a celebrated American wood carver and bronze sculptor for over 61 years. His works appear in more than 25 museums and galleries, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton NJ and the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio. His pieces grace numerous public collections from Nantucket to New Mexico to the Netherlands.
Hostetler’s most visible installation was chosen by prominent architect Philip Johnson as a memorial to Ohio real estate developer and philanthropist Dan Galbreath, who was a partner in Trump International Hotel and Tower in New York City. Galbreath was a friend to Hostetler and a collector of his sculptures. The 13 foot outdoor sculpture, “The Duo,” is installed at Columbus Circle overlooking Broadway. A rough textured bronze, “The Duo” depicts two slender figures touching at the arms and seemingly grown from trees. The work was originally conceived as a tribute by the artist to his wife.
Hostetler has earned wide acclaim for his unique treatment of the feminine form, his “women.” Most of his pieces begin as wood carvings, with bronze versions cast directly from the wood. In the ’60s, he gained national prominence with his American Woman Series – graceful, flowing wood sculptures. He initiated the series using indigenous hardwoods (elm, white oak, walnut, maple), then progressed from folk images to stylized symbols in exotic woods (purpleheart, ziricote and pink ivory). Celebrated photographer Yousuf Karsh created a unique portrait of Hostetler surrounded by his “women.” A 4 EMMY award winning documentary David Hostetler The Last Dance has aired on public television. It’s an insightful, funny and poignant portrayal of Hostetler and his artwork.
Discover more about David
Website: https://www.davidhostetler.com
