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
In Chicago Navy Pier Exhibit c.1999
Chesterwood Nat. Historic Site solo show 2022
Wells Garden
Hyde Collection 2023-4
Installation at Hyde Collection 2023
Installation at Hyde Collection 2023
Hyde Collection 2023
