A 30-year lovefest with the American Woman

In the foyer of sculptor David Hostetler's home is a collection reflecting his life's devotion: women.

In every curve and bend of the wooden sculptures lies the essence of femininity, Hostetler said.

"The importance of women in life is where I find the tenderness and security in my life," he said. "I am always searching for a meaning. What do women mean?"

Hostetler has spent the last 30 years on Nantucket trying to answer that question. His fascination with the female image began with the "American Wives" series of wood sculptures. The sculptures are sometimes cast in bronze for display outside.

"It wasn't until 10 years ago I realized I spent my whole life making goddesses," he said. "Now I am constantly reinterpreting the female form seeing different, qualities and strengths."

This season, Hostetler started printmaking when he decided he wanted to create a bolder, more dramatic image of women. The over-size images have a presence and continue to express his love for the female form and his belief that women are a power point, he said.

"These portraits are stronger. You either like them, or you don't like them," Hostetler said. "They say what I feel about femininity."

After starting by making several prints of his wife, Susan Crehan-Hostetler, women have approached him and asked to model for the portraits, he said. "I ask the women how free I can be with them," he said. "If they want a smaller nose or different hair, I can do that."

His wife introduced Hostetler to a different side of life, he said. She deals with the reality of the art world as well as providing an honest opinion, he said. "She has changed the course of my life," he said. "I trust her eyes and her reaction. She is a blessing that frees me."

After working all winter at his home in Athens, Ohio, when the Hostetlers come to Nantucket for the summer they use the time to socialize and are "ready to boogie," said David Hostetler. They focus their energies on enjoying the company of collectors and friends with cocktail parties and dinners at their home, Forever Wild. Hostetler said he enjoys his time with the collectors because he can listen to their advice and it gives him a good sense of learning what they see in his work.

"It is a connecting point to meet people through art," he said. "It gives me the benefit of knowing where they (his sculptures) are going. It is a labor of love."

Susan Hostetler sees the summer social season as an outreach and an opportunity. It gives buyers the opportunity to meet David and enjoy each other's fellowship, she said.

"This is just the opportunity for me to come take the summer energy from Nantucket," said David Hostetler. "A big thanks to everyone involved in making life rich and successful. Can't do it without friends. Friends are it."

Thirty years on Nantucket have allowed Hostetler to not only stay friends with "old timers" like artists Roy Bailey and Kerry Hallam and community members like Dr. Tim Lepore, but to meet notables and the heavy hitters that become friends and a part of his life, he said.

His sculptures can be seen all over Nantucket as well as at renowned galleries and Donald Trump's International Hotel and Tower in New York City and the Hostetlers' good friend Seward Johnson's Grounds for Sculpture Park in Hamilton, N.J. Johnson, a sculptor also, placed Hostetler's sculpture at the entrance of the museum. "What he believes in is great, fabulous art," said Hostetler, "which is why it is such an honor."

In addition to remembering all the great friends he has had, he also recalled the days he played jazz a The Chicken Box in the 1970s. His straight jazz trio in Ohio is based on standard improvisational themes developed by each person.

"Most creative people are multi-talented and love too many things," said Hostetler, who plays the drums.

"It takes energy. It is another avenue to express yourself." He relates drumming to the constant tapping when creating sculpture.

When he started sculpting on Nantucket, he was the only sculptor here. Now, as the artist community continues to grow, he said he doesn't know many young artists but admires the work of Sherre Wilson-Rae. "I would tell young artists to make a total commitment," he said. "Follow your bliss. Don't let anyone stamp out your fire."

He said the changes Nantucket has gone through over the years have all been beautiful and he has enjoyed it all. "Change is life," he said. "I want things to be what they are, not what it is."