David Hostetler

David Hostetler was the creator of a series of captivating and original works in exotic wood and bronze that honor and celebrate the female form.  Inspired by goddesses and celebrated women of historical significance, Hostetler has based his life's work on capturing the spirit, romance, and earthiness of “woman."  Whether revealing the sensuousness of the female figure or rendering visible the beauty of the feminine mystique, Hostetler's works are a pleasure to touch and visually captivating.

For 67 years, David Hostetler's reputation as a celebrated sculptor has grown exponentially.  His works appear in over twenty-five museums and galleries, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts, Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey, and the Decordova Museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts.  Hostetler's pieces grace numerous public collections from New Mexico to New York City to the Netherlands, and have been featured in films, on television, and in newspapers and magazines.

“The Duo," Hostetler's most visible installation, was selected by Philip Johnson as a memorial to Ohio real-estate developer and philanthropist Dan Galbreath. A partner in the Trump International Hotel and Tower in New York City, Dan Galbreath was a friend to Hostetler and collector of his sculptures.  This memorial resulted in a 13-foot outdoor sculpture entitled, “The Duo," which depicts two slender figures side by side, slightly touching, seemingly grown from the ground naturalistically.  The idea of “The Duo" pays tribute to the bond forged between Hostetler and his wife, Susan.  In 2012, The IKON a 13 foot bronze was commissioned by The Sheffield, at 87th Street between 8th and 9th Ave. in NYC.

Hostetler's unique treatment of the feminine form has earned him wide acclaim.  Most of his “women" begin as single logs, which he carved by hand into sculpture.  These woodcarvings occasionally take on an alternate life as bronzes, cast directly from their wood counterparts.  In the 1960s Hostetler rose to national prominence with his “American Woman" series of sculptures.  Hostetler's Amish heritage initiated the series, in that he carved folk images from Ohio's indigenous trees (elm, white oak, walnut, maple).  As the series evolved into more slender, stylized figures, Hostetler also transitioned into exotic woods to compliment his vision (purple heart, ziricote, and pink ivory).  Celebrated photographer Yousuf Karsh captured Hostetler with his sculpture in a series of photographs during this time period.

Born in Beach City, Ohio and raised in Massillon, Ohio, David Hostetler's Amish grandfather profoundly influenced him both personally and artistically.  After serving proudly in World War II, Hostetler went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in education from Indiana University. He obtained his Masters of Fine Arts at Ohio University.  For thirty-eight years Hostetler served Ohio University as a teacher and mentor, for which he achieved Professor Emeritus.  Hostetler's career has included guest teaching and lecturing throughout the United States and Mexico.  His students include a number of accomplished artists, such as Jim Dine among others.

Although Hostetler is renowned as a sculptor, his experience is indeed diverse.  He trained, as an engineer for a brief time, worked as a farmer and salesman, owned his own commercial pottery company, and created an art commune7.  Hostetler's longtime appreciation of religions inspired his study of Judaism.  A constant pursuit of intellectual growth and development of new skills resulted in learning to spin wool, build furniture, and create stained glass.  Intellectually, Hostetler continued to study women's history, shamanism, the history of jazz music and musicians, American farm and craft, tools, folk art, and American history and culture of the land.  His wife Susan continues to run their gallery in Nantucket, MA.  

The Last Dance, (2008) an EMMY award winning documentary video captures his spirit and art making.

www.davidhostetler.com will reveal his bio, video and more artwork