American Monuments: Finding New Dimensions — book cover
2025 — Tim Kane, Author
American Monuments
Finding New Dimensions
Publisher — Tim Kane / John Van Alstine
Author — Tim Kane, arts writer and critic
Format — Hardcover, fully illustrated
Howard N. Fox
Independent curator — Emeritus Curator of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Art
John Van Alstine's public works are monumental in scale, rugged in material, daring in composition, and smart as they are vigorous, in every way. Those that already have been realized are spectacles; as for those he's imagined, we can anticipate along with him that they'll find their places in the world and be enduring testaments to the natural and human forces that have created them. This volume is the perfect complement to the previous two books on his sculptural accomplishments.
Caroline M. Welsh
Art Historian and Director Emerita, Adirondack Museum
American Monuments: Finding New Dimensions joins John Van Alstine Sculptures 1971–2018 and American Vistas to complete a trilogy of books exploring and interpreting the art of this American master of sculpture. His realized and unrealized monumental public works reveal yet another dimension of artistic creativity and exploration. Van Alstine's artworks integrate intellectual, scientific and mythological themes in seemingly impossible orchestrations of elements. This handsome book adds immeasurably to our knowledge of this major American sculptor.
Steven Naifeh
Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Jackson Pollock: An American Saga
Throughout a long and extraordinarily productive career, John Van Alstine has created one of the most significant bodies of sculpture in America. His studio works have for many decades graced some of the country's most important museum and personal collections. Now, in this gorgeous book, his monumental works receive the focused attention they so gloriously deserve.
William R. Cross
Author, Winslow Homer: American Passage — Chair, Advisory Board, Yale Center for Faith and Culture
With beauty and drama that reflect the works themselves, this book showcases the large-scale creations — both built and unbuilt — of a great American sculptor. But it goes beyond that, making a powerful case for the continued importance, urgency and relevance of monuments in today's world. As an artist deeply connected to the land, the sky, and all they encompass, Van Alstine inspires us to lift our eyes and hearts, guided by the better angels of our nature.
F. David Reif
Professor Emeritus, Art Department, University of Wyoming
This beautifully illustrated book showcases the impressive large-scale work of Adirondack-based sculptor John Van Alstine. With insightful autobiographical reflections by the artist and crisp commentary by journalist Tim Kane, it highlights Van Alstine's journey to develop a sculptural language rooted in the forces of nature and gravity. The narrative captures the tension between nature's vast power and the relentless grind of time, space, and human industry. A must-read for anyone seeking to understand this compelling and unavoidable drama.
Acquire this book
Direct artist web sale
$45 + $10 shipping
Purchase directly from the artist — lower than other platforms. Option to have the book personally signed and inscribed by John Van Alstine.
Contact John →
Digital version
Free access
John makes the complete book freely available for researchers and anyone interested in his work.
Download PDF →