David Smith Quotes

1906–1965 United States

David Smith (March 9, 1906 – May 23, 1965) was an American Abstract Expressionist sculptor best known for creating large steel abstract geometric sculptures.

United States
Painters
Sculptors

Random David Smith quote

8 quotes

Sculpture is as free as the mind; as complex as life..

Abstract Expressionism (1990)

An arrogant independence to create is my only motivation.

Gravitation is the only logical factor a sculptor has to contend with.

Gradually [late 1920's] the canvas became the base and the painting was a sculpture. [quote, early 1950's]

Abstract Expressionism (1990)

I maintain my identity by regular work, there is always labor when inspiration has fled, but inspiration returns quicker when identity and the work stream are maintained.

The Fields of David Smith (1999)

I would like to make sculpture that would rise from water and tower in the air
- that carried conviction and vision that had not existed before..

The Question – What is your Hope (1940)

Possibly steel is so beautiful because of all the movement associated with it, its strength and functions.. .Yet it is also brutal: the rapist, the murderer and death-dealing giants are also its offspring. [quote, early 1950's]

Abstract Expressionism (1990)

I want sculpture to show the wonder of man, that flowing water, rocks, clouds
vegetation have for the man in peace who glories in existence.. .Its existence will be its statement

The Question – What is your Hope (1940)

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: David Smith (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.