Culture
Noted Athens Sculptor David Hostetler Passes Away
By: Bryan Gibson
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The Athens community and art aficionados around the world were saddened to hear of the passing of David Hostetler, 88, early this morning.
Hostetler’s work was the subject of a 2008 documentary, The Last Dance, directed by Casey Hayward and produced by Keith Newman. In 2011, the film won four Emmys at the 47th annual Ohio Valley Regional Emmy Awards held in Louisville, Kentucky, and was screened on WOUB-TV.
Plans for a memorial service have not been finalized; WOUB will have updates via Twitter @woubculture.
Hostetler’s art career came to fruition during WWII. After suffering a shrapnel wound in his leg during a training exercise, he became interested in art while recuperating.
After his discharge from the Army, Hostetler developed his iconic style while attending Indiana University and later at Ohio University, where he taught for 38 years.
During retirement, Hostetler spent his days perfecting his interpretation of the feminine form through wood and bronze sculpture–a labor of love he pursued for more than 60 years.
In 2012, Hostetler invited WOUB student Elliot Nicolson to his house and studio to talk about his newest piece, Ikon.
The 13-foot bronze sculpture was unveiled that year at the plaza across from The Sheffield Condominiums in New York City.
It wasn’t Hostetler’s first piece on “Billionaires Row.” Another Hostetler original, The Dou, stands in front of the Trump International Hotel and Tower at Columbus Circle and was installed in 2006.
Watch the video above for an in-depth look into Hostetler’s background, the creation of Ikon and what kept this beloved artist motivated.