2026
NY State slate /pigmented and sealed steel, 13"h x19"w x4"d, April 2026
The Lunge series explores implied movement and gesture through an abstract sculptural language. The title Lunge suggests a sudden extension of the body—a reaching, thrusting, or shifting of weight that gives the sculpture a sense of physical momentum and directed energy.
While not figurative in a literal sense, the work draws on my interest in the expressiveness of the human figure. Its balance, tension, and spatial gesture suggest a body caught in motion, allowing the sculpture to convey a human presence through posture and movement rather than recognizable form.
NY green granite/pigmented and sealed steel, 11"h x 18"w 6"d, April 2026
The Lunge series explores implied movement and gesture through an abstract sculptural language. The title Lunge suggests a sudden extension of the body—a reaching, thrusting, or shifting of weight that gives the sculpture a sense of physical momentum and directed energy.
While not figurative in a literal sense, the work draws on my interest in the expressiveness of the human figure. Its balance, tension, and spatial gesture suggest a body caught in motion, allowing the sculpture to convey a human presence through posture and movement rather than recognizable form.
NY State green granite / pigmented and sealed steel, 11.5"h x15"w x4"d, April 2026
SAGITTA: Latin for arrow
Constellation: A dim but distinctive constellation in the northern sky, representing an arrow and included in the original 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy. It is not to be confused with the larger constellation Sagittarius.
Mythology: The constellation is associated with the arrow of Hercules, the arrow of Apollo, or the arrow of Eros (Cupid).
2025
March 2025. Green granite, pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 16.5 × 22 × 5 in (42 × 56 × 13 cm).
SAGITTA: Latin for arrow
Constellation: A dim but distinctive constellation in the northern sky, representing an arrow and included in the original 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy. It is not to be confused with the larger constellation Sagittarius.
Mythology: The constellation is associated with the arrow of Hercules, the arrow of Apollo, or the arrow of Eros (Cupid).
May 2025. Vermont slate, galvanized and powder-coated steel. Dimensions: 27.5 × 35 × 11 in (70 × 89 × 28 cm).
Lunge/Slate 5-25 explores implied movement and gesture through an abstract sculptural language. The title Lunge suggests a sudden extension of the body—a reaching, thrusting, or shifting of weight that gives the sculpture a sense of physical momentum and directed energy.
While not figurative in a literal sense, the work draws on my interest in the expressiveness of the human figure. Its balance, tension, and spatial gesture suggest a body caught in motion, allowing the sculpture to convey a human presence through posture and movement rather than recognizable form.
June 2025. River stone, pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 7.25 × 14 × 3 in (18 × 36 × 8 cm)
.The Catapulta series reflects my ongoing interest in tools and tool-like forms as expressive metaphors. Removed from their practical function, these familiar forms suggest human ingenuity, effort, and our impulse to act upon and transform the physical world.
These works also projects a sense of kinetic energy. Through the tension of weight, balance, and leverage, the forms appear poised for movement—as if something might pivot, swing, or release. Though physically static, Catalulta XII holds a sense of potential action and suspended energy.
John Van Alstine
June 2025. River stone, pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 6.25 × 15 × 7 in (16 × 38 × 18 cm).
The Catapulta series reflects my ongoing interest in tools and tool-like forms as expressive metaphors. Removed from their practical function, these familiar forms suggest human ingenuity, effort, and our impulse to act upon and transform the physical world.
These works also projects a sense of kinetic energy. Through the tension of weight, balance, and leverage, the forms appear poised for movement—as if something might pivot, swing, or release. Though physically static, Catalulta XII holds a sense of potential action and suspended energy.
John Van Alstine
June 2025. River stone, pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 11 × 10 × 4 in (28 × 25 × 10 cm).
The Catapulta series reflects my ongoing interest in tools and tool-like forms as expressive metaphors. Removed from their practical function, these familiar forms suggest human ingenuity, effort, and our impulse to act upon and transform the physical world.
These works also projects a sense of kinetic energy. Through the tension of weight, balance, and leverage, the forms appear poised for movement—as if something might pivot, swing, or release. Though physically static, Catalulta XII holds a sense of potential action and suspended energy.
John Van Alstine
SOLD
June 2025. River stone, pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 7.5 × 11 × 3.5 in (19 × 28 × 9 cm). Private Collection.
The Catapulta series reflects my ongoing interest in tools and tool-like forms as expressive metaphors. Removed from their practical function, these familiar forms suggest human ingenuity, effort, and our impulse to act upon and transform the physical world.
These works also projects a sense of kinetic energy. Through the tension of weight, balance, and leverage, the forms appear poised for movement—as if something might pivot, swing, or release. Though physically static, Catalulta XII holds a sense of potential action and suspended energy.
John Van Alstine
July 2025. Sacandaga river stone, Pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 7 × 10 × 3 in (18 × 25 × 8 cm).
The title derives from the English word catapult, meaning “to launch forward.” The sculpture’s arrangement of stone and steel conveys a sense of arrested motion—energy captured and poised for release—a dynamic tension that has been a central focus of Van Alstine’s work throughout his career.
July 2025. Sacandaga river stone, Pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 10.5 × 13 × 3.5 in (27 × 33 × 9 cm).
The title derives from the English word catapult, meaning “to launch forward.” The sculpture’s arrangement of stone and steel conveys a sense of arrested motion—energy captured and poised for release—a dynamic tension that has been a central focus of Van Alstine’s work throughout his career.
SOLD
July 2025. Sacandaga river stone, Pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 10 × 14 × 3 in (25 × 36 × 8 cm). Private Collection.
The title derives from the English word catapult, meaning “to launch forward.” The sculpture’s arrangement of stone and steel conveys a sense of arrested motion—energy captured and poised for release—a dynamic tension that has been a central focus of Van Alstine’s work throughout his career.
July 2025. Sacandaga river stone, pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 9 × 9 × 2.5 in (23 × 23 × 6 cm).
The title derives from the English word catapult, meaning “to launch forward.” The sculpture’s arrangement of stone and steel conveys a sense of arrested motion—energy captured and poised for release—a dynamic tension that has been a central focus of Van Alstine’s work throughout his career.
July 2025. Sacandaga river stone, pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 8 × 12 × 3 in (20 × 30 × 8 cm).
The title derives from the English word catapult, meaning “to launch forward.” The sculpture’s arrangement of stone and steel conveys a sense of arrested motion—energy captured and poised for release—a dynamic tension that has been a central focus of Van Alstine’s work throughout his career.
October 2025. Slate, pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 14 × 26 × 4 in (36 × 66 × 10 cm).
The Lunge series explores implied movement and gesture through an abstract sculptural language. The title Lunge suggests a sudden extension of the body—a reaching, thrusting, or shifting of weight that gives the sculpture a sense of physical momentum and directed energy.
While not figurative in a literal sense, the work draws on my interest in the expressiveness of the human figure. Its balance, tension, and spatial gesture suggest a body caught in motion, allowing the sculpture to convey a human presence through posture and movement rather than recognizable form.
October 2025. Pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 14 × 15.5 × 3.5 in (36 × 39 × 9 cm).
SAGITTA: Latin for arrow
Constellation: A dim but distinctive constellation in the northern sky, representing an arrow and included in the original 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy. It is not to be confused with the larger constellation Sagittarius.
Mythology: The constellation is associated with the arrow of Hercules, the arrow of Apollo, or the arrow of Eros (Cupid).
2024
SOLD
July 2024. Granite, galvanized and powder coated steel. Dimensions: 43 × 51 × 15 in (109 × 130 × 38 cm). Private Collection.
SAGITTA: Latin for arrow
Constellation: A dim but distinctive constellation in the northern sky, representing an arrow and included in the original 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy. It is not to be confused with the larger constellation Sagittarius.
Mythology: The constellation is associated with the arrow of Hercules, the arrow of Apollo, or the arrow of Eros (Cupid).
September 2024. Slate, pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 11.5 × 24.5 × 4.5 in (29 × 62 × 11 cm).
The Lunge series explores implied movement and gesture through an abstract sculptural language. The title Lunge suggests a sudden extension of the body—a reaching, thrusting, or shifting of weight that gives the sculpture a sense of physical momentum and directed energy.
While not figurative in a literal sense, the work draws on my interest in the expressiveness of the human figure. Its balance, tension, and spatial gesture suggest a body caught in motion, allowing the sculpture to convey a human presence through posture and movement rather than recognizable form.
2023
January 2023. Riverstone, forged pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 16 × 12 × 4 in (41 × 30 × 10 cm).
When Cronus, the Greek mythological figure, learns that he was destined to be overthrown by one of his children like his father was before him, he swallowed all the children Rhea bore him as soon as they were born.
When Rhea had her sixth and final child, Zeus, she spirited him away and hid him in Crete, giving Cronus a rock wrapped in swaddling bands to swallow instead, thus saving her youngest son who would go on to challenge his father's rule and rescue the rest of his siblings.
Zeus grew up and learned the truth about his father and siblings. He tricked Cronus into drinking a potion that made him vomit out his children and the stone. This stone is also known as the Omphalos Stone, which means the navel of the world 4 .
In "CRONUS II (stone swallower)", the round stone is centered within the spiraling circular element suggesting it has been ‘ingested' by Cronus as the myth tells us. It is resting on a red, expressively torqued steel element which presents and intriguing ambiguity; is the red element the swaddling clothes, or the tail of vomit? Perhaps both?
February 2023. River stone, pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 11 × 13 × 3.5 in (28 × 33 × 9 cm).
The title derives from the English word catapult, meaning “to launch forward.” The sculpture’s arrangement of stone and steel conveys a sense of arrested motion—energy captured and poised for release—a dynamic tension that has been a central focus of Van Alstine’s work throughout his career.
March 2023. Granite, galvanized and powder coated steel. Dimensions: 36 × 40 × 9 in (91 × 102 × 23 cm).
SAGITTA: Latin for arrow
Constellation: A dim but distinctive constellation in the northern sky, representing an arrow and included in the original 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy. It is not to be confused with the larger constellation Sagittarius.
Mythology: The constellation is associated with the arrow of Hercules, the arrow of Apollo, or the arrow of Eros (Cupid).
May 2023. Green Hamilton county granite, pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 35 × 15.5 × 8 in (89 × 39 × 20 cm).
Stone has been a constant in John Van Alstine’s work for more than forty years. He often focuses on the material’s inherent qualities—especially its weight—choreographing stone and steel to create moments of visual and physical tension.
Landscape, particularly the mountain terrain where the artist has spent much of his life, has also been a powerful influence. In the Rockslide series, the shape and placement of stone, and its dynamic interaction with steel, evoke the drama of a familiar alpine event: a rock caught in mid-fall.
2022
January 2022. Stone, steel. Dimensions: 7 × 12 × 5 in (18 × 30 × 13 cm).
Public commission. Wuhu Sculpture Park, Wuhu, China. China Sculpture Institute.
September 2022. Slate, pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 24 × 23 × 6 in (61 × 58 × 15 cm).
Stone has been a constant in John Van Alstine’s work for more than forty years. He often focuses on the material’s inherent qualities—especially its weight—choreographing stone and steel to create moments of visual and physical tension.
Landscape, particularly the mountain terrain where the artist has spent much of his life, has also been a powerful influence. In the Rockslide series, the shape and placement of stone, and its dynamic interaction with steel, evoke the drama of a familiar alpine event: a rock caught in mid-fall.
SOLD
November 2022. River stone, pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 10 × 13 × 3.5 in (25 × 33 × 9 cm). Private Collection.
The title derives from the English word catapult, meaning “to launch forward.” The sculpture’s arrangement of stone and steel conveys a sense of arrested motion—energy captured and poised for release—a dynamic tension that has been a central focus of Van Alstine’s work throughout his career.
November 2022. River stone, pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 8.75 × 9 × 4 in (22 × 23 × 10 cm).
The title derives from the English word catapult, meaning “to launch forward.” The sculpture’s arrangement of stone and steel conveys a sense of arrested motion—energy captured and poised for release—a dynamic tension that has been a central focus of Van Alstine’s work throughout his career.
SOLD
November 2022. River stone, pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 9 × 12 × 5.5 in (23 × 30 × 14 cm). Private Collection.
The title derives from the English word catapult, meaning “to launch forward.” The sculpture’s arrangement of stone and steel conveys a sense of arrested motion—energy captured and poised for release—a dynamic tension that has been a central focus of Van Alstine’s work throughout his career.
December 2022. River stone, pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 6 × 13 × 5 in (15 × 33 × 13 cm).
Cronus, the Greek mythological figure, learns that he was destined to be overthrown by one of his children like his father was before him, he swallowed all the children Rhea bore him as soon as they were born.
When Rhea had her sixth and final child, Zeus, she spirited him away and hid him in Crete, giving Cronus a rock wrapped in swaddling bands to swallow instead, thus saving her youngest son who would go on to challenge his father's rule and rescue the rest of his siblings.
Zeus grew up and learned the truth about his father and siblings. He tricked Cronus into drinking a potion that made him vomit out his children and the stone. This stone is also known as the Omphalos Stone, which means the navel of the world 4 .
December 2022. River stone, pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 13 × 9 × 6 in (33 × 23 × 15 cm).
When Cronus, the Greek mythological figure, learns that he was destined to be overthrown by one of his children like his father was before him, he swallowed all the children Rhea bore him as soon as they were born.
When Rhea had her sixth and final child, Zeus, she spirited him away and hid him in Crete, giving Cronus a rock wrapped in swaddling bands to swallow instead, thus saving her youngest son who would go on to challenge his father's rule and rescue the rest of his siblings.
Zeus grew up and learned the truth about his father and siblings. He tricked Cronus into drinking a potion that made him vomit out his children and the stone. This stone is also known as the Omphalos Stone, which means the navel of the world 4 .
December 2022. River stone, pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 8.5 × 14 × 5 in (22 × 36 × 13 cm).
When Cronus, the Greek mythological figure, learns that he was destined to be overthrown by one of his children like his father was before him, he swallowed all the children Rhea bore him as soon as they were born.
When Rhea had her sixth and final child, Zeus, she spirited him away and hid him in Crete, giving Cronus a rock wrapped in swaddling bands to swallow instead, thus saving her youngest son who would go on to challenge his father's rule and rescue the rest of his siblings.
Zeus grew up and learned the truth about his father and siblings. He tricked Cronus into drinking a potion that made him vomit out his children and the stone. This stone is also known as the Omphalos Stone, which means the navel of the world.
2021
August 2021. Bronze, Vermont slate. Dimensions: 16.5 × 16 × 6 in (42 × 41 × 15 cm).
The Lunge series explores implied movement and gesture through an abstract sculptural language. The title Lunge suggests a sudden extension of the body—a reaching, thrusting, or shifting of weight that gives the sculpture a sense of physical momentum and directed energy.
While not figurative in a literal sense, the work draws on my interest in the expressiveness of the human figure. Its balance, tension, and spatial gesture suggest a body caught in motion, allowing the sculpture to convey a human presence through posture and movement rather than recognizable form.
November 2021. Granite, galvanized and powder coated steel. Dimensions: 42.5 × 37 × 12 in (108 × 94 × 30 cm).
SAGITTA: Latin for arrow
Constellation: A dim but distinctive constellation in the northern sky, representing an arrow
and included in the original 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy. It is not to be confused with the larger constellation Sagittarius.
Mythology: The constellation is associated with the arrow of Hercules, the arrow of Apollo, or the arrow of Eros (Cupid).
December 2021. Sacandaga river stone, pigmented and sealed steel. Dimensions: 22 × 13 × 5 in (56 × 33 × 13 cm). private collection.
The title derives from two Latin words—fūnis, meaning “rope,” and ambulāre, “to walk”—and refers to a tightrope walker. The meaning is reinforced by the sculpture’s dynamic horizontal “balancing baton” and its overall sense of precarious poise. It evokes the physical balance, agility, and daring of a circus performer, while perhaps more poignantly suggesting mental agility—the ability to maintain equilibrium amid uncertainty and change.
A celebrated modern funambulist is Philippe Petit, who became famous for his unauthorized high-wire walk between the Twin Towers of New York’s World Trade Center on August 7, 1974. His feat became an enduring image of extraordinary balance, concentration, risk, and resolve.
January 2021. Bronze. Dimensions: 6.5 × 14.5 × 6 in (17 × 37 × 15 cm).
Like others in the Pyxis Awry series this piece comments on a country adrift, but through its river metaphor subtitle “river jam break”, suggests my positive feeling about the release of the much pent-up energy we witnessed in the recent tumult, and more importantly, the resulting renewed determination for reform, moving us “down river” towards something better.
John VA
January 2021. Bronze. Dimensions: 4.5 × 12 × 6 in (11 × 30 × 15 cm).
strainer: A major river hazard in kayaking/canoeing. It is created by a manmade or natural obstruction such as a tree, root system, fencing, or guard rails. To be avoided at all costs.
Like others in the Pyxis Awry series this piece comments on a country adrift, but through its river metaphor subtitle “river jam break”, suggests my positive feeling about the release of the much pent-up energy we witnessed in the recent tumult, and more importantly, the resulting renewed determination for reform, moving us “down river” towards something better.
John VA
January 2021. Bronze. Dimensions: 5 × 22 × 6 in (13 × 56 × 15 cm).
Like others in the Pyxis Awry series this piece comments on a country adrift, but through its river metaphor subtitle “river jam break”, suggests my positive feeling about the release of the much pent-up energy we witnessed in the recent tumult, and more importantly, the resulting renewed determination for reform, moving us “down river” towards something better.
John VA
January 2021. Bronze. Dimensions: 6.5 × 21 × 13 in (17 × 53 × 33 cm).
As an avid kayaker living and working in a historic lumber mill on the Sacandaga River I am keenly aware and influenced by the location's history where not too many years ago log drives (and log jams) where common. On January 17, 2021 when "Pyxis Awry 2021 (river jam break)" was completed I was sensing a bit of hope and optimism on the horizon by the recent put down and arrests of those who mounted an assault on our nation's capital, a new presidential administration coming, and new effective Covid vaccines with hopefully a more effective roll out.
Like others in the Pyxis Awry series this piece comments on a country adrift, but through its river metaphor subtitle “river jam break”, suggests my positive feeling about the release of the much pent-up energy we witnessed in the recent tumult, and more importantly, the resulting renewed determination for reform, moving us “down river” towards something better.
John Van Alstine
January 2021. Bronze. Dimensions: 12 × 24 × 12 in (30 × 61 × 30 cm).
Pyxis is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for a mariner's compass
It is completely visible in latitudes south of 53 degrees north from January through March.
awry 1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction: askew 2 : off the correct or expected course: amiss
The works in this series feature a “vessel” form - historically understood in art and literature as a symbol or metaphor for the self, a group of people, human kind. If the vessel's compass is awry it will likely end up adrift, untethered, off course.
My intent with this series is raise questions/search for answers relative to personal (or a group) decisions or courses of action and
shed light on the resulting consequences, whether they are personal, political, environmental.
January 2021. Bronze. Dimensions: 5.5 × 20 × 9 in (14 × 51 × 23 cm).
Pyxis is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for a mariner's compass
It is completely visible in latitudes south of 53 degrees north from January through March.
awry 1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction: askew 2 : off the correct or expected course: amiss
The works in this series feature a “vessel” form - historically understood in art and literature as a symbol or metaphor for the self, a group of people, human kind. If the vessel's compass is awry it will likely end up adrift, untethered, off course.
My intent with this series is raise questions/search for answers relative to personal (or a group) decisions or courses of action and
shed light on the resulting consequences, whether they are personal, political, environmental.
January 2021. Bronze. Dimensions: 11 × 23 × 12 in (28 × 58 × 30 cm).
Pyxis is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for a mariner's compass
It is completely visible in latitudes south of 53 degrees north from January through March.
awry 1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction: askew 2 : off the correct or expected course: amiss
The works in this series feature a “vessel” form - historically understood in art and literature as a symbol or metaphor for the self, a group of people, human kind. If the vessel's compass is awry it will likely end up adrift, untethered, off course.
My intent with this series is raise questions/search for answers relative to personal (or a group) decisions or courses of action and
shed light on the resulting consequences, whether they are personal, political, environmental.
February 2021. Bronze. Dimensions: 6 × 16 × 7 in (15 × 41 × 18 cm).
Pyxis is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for a mariner's compass
It is completely visible in latitudes south of 53 degrees north from January through March.
awry 1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction: askew 2 : off the correct or expected course: amiss
The works in this series feature a “vessel” form - historically understood in art and literature as a symbol or metaphor for the self, a group of people, human kind. If the vessel's compass is awry it will likely end up adrift, untethered, off course.
My intent with this series is raise questions/search for answers relative to personal (or a group) decisions or courses of action and
shed light on the resulting consequences, whether they are personal, political, environmental.
February 2021. Bronze. Dimensions: 10 × 16 × 9 in (25 × 41 × 23 cm).
This work was inspired by the Winslow Homer watercolor “First Rapid”.
Pyxis is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for a mariner's compass
It is completely visible in latitudes south of 53 degrees north from January through March.
awry 1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction: askew 2 : off the correct or expected course: amiss
The works in this series feature a “vessel” form - historically understood in art and literature as a symbol or metaphor for the self, a group of people, human kind. If the vessel's compass is awry it will likely end up adrift, untethered, off course.
My intent with this series is raise questions/search for answers relative to personal (or a group) decisions or courses of action and
shed light on the resulting consequences, whether they are personal, political, environmental.
February 2021. Bronze. Dimensions: 14 × 17.5 × 10 in (36 × 44 × 25 cm).
Pyxis is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for a mariner's compass
It is completely visible in latitudes south of 53 degrees north from January through March.
awry 1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction: askew 2 : off the correct or expected course: amiss
The works in this series feature a “vessel” form - historically understood in art and literature as a symbol or metaphor for the self, a group of people, human kind. If the vessel's compass is awry it will likely end up adrift, untethered, off course.
My intent with this series is raise questions/search for answers relative to personal (or a group) decisions or courses of action and
shed light on the resulting consequences, whether they are personal, political, environmental.
February 2021. Bronze. Dimensions: 9.5 × 17 × 9 in (24 × 43 × 23 cm).
Pyxis is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for a mariner's compass
It is completely visible in latitudes south of 53 degrees north from January through March.
awry 1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction: askew 2 : off the correct or expected course: amiss
The works in this series feature a “vessel” form - historically understood in art and literature as a symbol or metaphor for the self, a group of people, human kind. If the vessel's compass is awry it will likely end up adrift, untethered, off course.
My intent with this series is raise questions/search for answers relative to personal (or a group) decisions or courses of action and
shed light on the resulting consequences, whether they are personal, political, environmental.
February 2021. Bronze. Dimensions: 7.5 × 18 × 8 in (19 × 46 × 20 cm).
Pyxis is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for a mariner's compass
It is completely visible in latitudes south of 53 degrees north from January through March.
awry 1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction: askew 2 : off the correct or expected course: amiss
The works in this series feature a “vessel” form - historically understood in art and literature as a symbol or metaphor for the self, a group of people, human kind. If the vessel's compass is awry it will likely end up adrift, untethered, off course.
My intent with this series is raise questions/search for answers relative to personal (or a group) decisions or courses of action and
shed light on the resulting consequences, whether they are personal, political, environmental.
February 2021. Bronze. Dimensions: 19 × 14 × 9.5 in (48 × 36 × 24 cm).
Pyxis is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for a mariner's compass
It is completely visible in latitudes south of 53 degrees north from January through March.
awry 1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction: askew 2 : off the correct or expected course: amiss
The works in this series feature a “vessel” form - historically understood in art and literature as a symbol or metaphor for the self, a group of people, human kind. If the vessel's compass is awry it will likely end up adrift, untethered, off course.
My intent with this series is raise questions/search for answers relative to personal (or a group) decisions or courses of action and
shed light on the resulting consequences, whether they are personal, political, environmental.
March 2021. Bronze. Dimensions: 22 × 10 × 11 in (56 × 25 × 28 cm). SOLD
Pyxis is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for a mariner's compass
awry 1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction: askew 2 : off the correct or expected course: amiss
The works in this series feature a “vessel” form - historically understood in art and literature as a symbol or metaphor for the self, a group of people, human kind. If the vessel's compass is awry it will likely end up adrift, untethered, off course.
My intent with this series is raise questions/search for answers relative to personal (or a group) decisions or courses of action and shed light on the resulting consequences, whether they are personal, political, environmental.
**This piece was created as an informal memorial to Adirondack boat builder Peter Hornbeck, originator of the “Hornbeck “ super lightweight fiberglass vessel inspired by the original wooden Adirondack guideboats.
March 2021. Bronze, Vermont slate. Dimensions: 17 × 33 × 8 in (43 × 84 × 20 cm).
Implement (Cornu) explores the relationship between human invention and the natural world. Throughout John Van Alstine's work, tools have symbolized human ingenuity and labor, while animal horns represent nature's elegant solutions for defense, survival, and strength. Here, these two forms merge, revealing their shared purpose and surprising visual kinship.
Rather than opposing nature and technology, Implement (Cornu) suggests they are part of the same continuum. The sweeping cast bronze form echoes the organic growth of a horn, while the granite anchors the sculpture in the enduring landscape from which both culture and nature arise. The work reflects Van Alstine's enduring fascination with the dialogue between the invented and the evolved.
April 2021. Bronze. Dimensions: 10 × 15 × 11 in (25 × 38 × 28 cm).
Pyxis is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for a mariner's compass
It is completely visible in latitudes south of 53 degrees north from January through March.
awry 1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction: askew 2 : off the correct or expected course: amiss
The works in this series feature a “vessel” form - historically understood in art and literature as a symbol or metaphor for the self, a group of people, human kind. If the vessel's compass is awry it will likely end up adrift, untethered, off course.
My intent with this series is raise questions/search for answers relative to personal (or a group) decisions or courses of action and shed light on the resulting consequences, whether they are personal, political, environmental.
April 2021. Bronze. Dimensions: 5 × 14 × 8 in (13 × 36 × 20 cm).
Pyxis is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for a mariner's compass
awry 1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction: askew 2 : off the correct or expected course: amiss
The works in this series feature a “vessel” form - historically understood in art and literature as a symbol or metaphor for the self, a group of people, human kind. If the vessel's compass is awry it will likely end up adrift, untethered, off course.
My intent with this series is raise questions/search for answers relative to personal (or a group) decisions or courses of action and shed light on the resulting consequences, whether they are personal, political, environmental.
May 2021. Bronze, pigment. Dimensions: 15.5 × 14 × 8 in (39 × 36 × 20 cm).
Collection: Adirondack Museum (ADK Experience), Blue Mt. Lake NY
Pyxis is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for a mariner's compass
It is completely visible in latitudes south of 53 degrees north from January through March.
awry 1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction: askew 2 : off the correct or expected course: amiss
The works in this series feature a “vessel” form - historically understood in art and literature as a symbol or metaphor for the self, a group of people, human kind. If the vessel's compass is awry it will likely end up adrift, untethered, off course.
My intent with this series is raise questions/search for answers relative to personal (or a group) decisions or courses of action and shed light on the resulting consequences, whether they are personal, political, environmental.
May 2021. Bronze. Dimensions: 14.5 × 9.5 × 9 in (37 × 24 × 23 cm).
Pyxis is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for a mariner's compass
awry 1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction: askew 2 : off the correct or expected course: amiss
The works in this series feature a “vessel” form - historically understood in art and literature as a symbol or metaphor for the self, a group of people, human kind. If the vessel's compass is awry it will likely end up adrift, untethered, off course.
My intent with this series is raise questions/search for answers relative to personal (or a group) decisions or courses of action and shed light on the resulting consequences, whether they are personal, political, environmental.
June 2021. Bronze, red pigment. Dimensions: 7 × 14 × 8 in (18 × 36 × 20 cm).
Pyxis is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for a mariner's compass
awry 1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction: askew 2 : off the correct or expected course: amiss
The works in this series feature a “vessel” form - historically understood in art and literature as a symbol or metaphor for the self, a group of people, human kind. If the vessel's compass is awry it will likely end up adrift, untethered, off course.
My intent with this series is raise questions/search for answers relative to personal (or a group) decisions or courses of action and shed light on the resulting consequences, whether they are personal, political, environmental.
June 2021. Bronze, red pigment. Dimensions: 13 × 14 × 9 in (33 × 36 × 23 cm).
Pyxis is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for a mariner's compass
awry 1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction: askew 2 : off the correct or expected course: amiss
The works in this series feature a “vessel” form - historically understood in art and literature as a symbol or metaphor for the self, a group of people, human kind. If the vessel's compass is awry it will likely end up adrift, untethered, off course.
My intent with this series is raise questions/search for answers relative to personal (or a group) decisions or courses of action and shed light on the resulting consequences, whether they are personal, political, environmental.
July 2021. Bronze. Dimensions: 5 × 16.5 × 7 in (13 × 42 × 18 cm).
Pyxis is a small and faint constellation in the southern sky. Its name is Latin for a mariner's compass
awry 1 : in a turned or twisted position or direction: askew 2 : off the correct or expected course: amiss
The works in this series feature a “vessel” form - historically understood in art and literature as a symbol or metaphor for the self, a group of people, human kind. If the vessel's compass is awry it will likely end up adrift, untethered, off course.
My intent with this series is raise questions/search for answers relative to personal (or a group) decisions or courses of action and shed light on the resulting consequences, whether they are personal, political, environmental.
July 2021. Bronze, slate. Dimensions: 17.5 × 16 × 6 in (44 × 41 × 15 cm).
Stone has been a constant in John Van Alstine’s work for more than forty years. He often focuses on the material’s inherent qualities—especially its weight—choreographing stone and steel to create moments of visual and physical tension.
Landscape, particularly the mountain terrain where the artist has spent much of his life, has also been a powerful influence. In the Rockslide series, the shape and placement of stone, and its dynamic interaction with steel, evoke the drama of a familiar alpine event: a rock caught in mid-fall.