David Hostetler

David Hostetler (1926-2015) was an American sculptor and painter best known for his figurative woodcarvings. He was born in Beach City, Ohio and studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art and the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris.
 
Hostetler's work was influenced by his interest in mythology and his study of indigenous art forms. He often depicted the human form, particularly the female figure, in a stylized and simplified manner, with elongated limbs and exaggerated curves.
 
One of Hostetler's most famous works is his "Female Form" series, which features stylized female figures carved from wood and often painted in bold colors. He also created several large-scale public installations, including "Lady Justice," a sculpture located in front of the Cuyahoga County Courthouse in Cleveland, Ohio.
 
Hostetler's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, including the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City and the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. He was also the subject of several books and documentaries, including "David Hostetler: The Carver" and "David Hostetler: An American Sculptor."