David Smith

One of the pre-eminent American sculptors of the twentieth century, David Smith (1906-1965) was a powerful innovator. He revolutionized the possibilities of his medium by introducing the industrial process of welding and materials such as steel to the studio. Consequently, Smith was able to manipulate metal into extraordinarily imaginative and varied compositions - using it literally to 'draw in space'.
Smith took abstract sculpture - previously a figurative medium - to new heights by creating layered planes and richly burnished or painted surfaces. A reclusive figure, Smith established his studio and foundry in rural Bolton Landing in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, filling the surrounding fields with his monumental sculptures. Although he is predominantly known as a sculptor, this book also sheds valuable light on Smith's prolific output of drawing, sketching, writing and photography.