February 1996. Granite, steel, bronze. Dimensions: 17 × 4 × 20 in (43 × 10 × 51 cm).
Charon, the mythical ferryman, is charged with transporting the deceased across the River Styx to the underworld. The vessel - my attempt to simulate an Adirondack like guide boat in steel – with its out-stretched oar, un-inhibited trailing “rope” and attached coin to “pay passage”- is poised atop the long black pole or stick/styx. It is aiming for its destination, the large cleat below (under) the globe like, metal buoy. The piece, contrary to perhaps its first impression is not about death or dying, but rather quite the opposite. The “final” journey is portrayed as a wild almost carnival-like passage, reminding us of the importance of each day and the necessity to live each one fully.
John Van Alstine
February 1996. Granite, steel, bronze. Dimensions: 17 × 4 × 20 in (43 × 10 × 51 cm).
Charon, the mythical ferryman, is charged with transporting the deceased across the River Styx to the underworld. The vessel - my attempt to simulate an Adirondack like guide boat in steel – with its out-stretched oar, un-inhibited trailing “rope” and attached coin to “pay passage”- is poised atop the long black pole or stick/styx. It is aiming for its destination, the large cleat below (under) the globe like, metal buoy. The piece, contrary to perhaps its first impression is not about death or dying, but rather quite the opposite. The “final” journey is portrayed as a wild almost carnival-like passage, reminding us of the importance of each day and the necessity to live each one fully.
John Van Alstine
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