David Hostetler (American 1926–2015) was a celebrated American sculptor best known for his elegant, stylized representations of the female form. Born in Beach City, Ohio, Hostetler grew up in an Amish community, an experience that profoundly influenced his artistic sensibilities and appreciation for craftsmanship. After serving in World War II, he pursued formal art education, earning his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and later an MFA from Ohio University. Hostetler’s early career was marked by a fascination with wood as his primary medium, and he became renowned for his ability to reveal the natural beauty and grain of the material in his sculptures.

Over the decades, Hostetler expanded his repertoire to include bronze and aluminum, continually pushing the boundaries of form and abstraction while remaining rooted in his central theme: the celebration of women. His works draw inspiration from various sources, including ancient fertility goddesses and modernist aesthetics, resulting in pieces that are both timeless and contemporary. Hostetler’s sculptures have been exhibited nationally and internationally, gracing public spaces, museums, and private collections.  He maintained strong connections to both Athens, Ohio—where he was a professor at Ohio University for nearly four decades—and to the vibrant art community of Nantucket, Massachusetts, where he operated a summer studio and gallery.

Throughout his prolific career, David Hostetler received numerous awards and commissions, and his commitment to the arts extended beyond his own practice to include mentoring younger artists and advocating for the importance of the creative spirit. Today, his legacy lives on through his iconic sculptures and the enduring influence he has had on American art.

(There are no works by the artist in our inventory at this time)