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 goddess 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 50 years. His works appear in more than 25 museums and David Hostetler with Earth Goddess Series galleries, including the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Milwaukee Museum 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 recent installation was commissioned by Donald Trump, Lizeanne Galbreath and 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", was dedicated this past July and 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". His artwork has been featured in films, on television and in newspapers and magazines. Bom in Ohio in 1926, Hostetler had a close relationship with his Amish grandfather, an influence which stayed with him throughout his career He was raised in a small Ohio town and went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts in Education from Indiana University. He obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ohio University, where he taught for thirty-eight years as a much appreciated professor and mentor and where he was named 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 and others.

Although Hostetler is renowned as a sculptor, his experience is indeed diverse. He trained as an engineer, worked as a farmer and a salesman, owned his own commercial pottery factory and created an art commune. His long time appreciation of the great Jewish philosophers has inspired his interest in the Jewish faith, philosophy and way of life, and, at the age of 69, Hostetler began studying to convert to Judaism. He has a deep love of music and currently plays drums in his own jazz band in Nantucket (MA), where he and his wife, Susan, also own a gallery. In winter, the Hostetlers live in Athens, Ohio.

Laura J. Mulry
Carpenters & Associates