In particular, this question, to the sculptor: If a drawing is traced, even with the greatest precision, from another drawing, you will perceive that… - David Smith

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In particular, this question, to the sculptor:
If a drawing is traced, even with the greatest precision, from another drawing, you will perceive that the one is a copy. Although the differences may deviate less than half a hair, recognizable only by perceptual sensitivity, unanimously we rule the work of the intruder's hand as non-art.
But where is the line of true art—when the sculptor's process often introduces the hands of a plaster caster, the mold maker, the grinder and the polisher, and the patina applier, all these processes and foreign hands intruding deviations upon what was once the original work?

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About David Smith

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

Also Known As

Pen Names: Smith‏, David Rowland
Alternative Names: David Rowland Smith Deṿid Smit David Roland Smith W Smith David RoLand Smith David Smith (1906-1965) Roland David Smith

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Additional quotes by David Smith

I now know that sculpture is made from rough externals by rough characters or men who have passed through all polish and are back to the rough again.
The mystic modeling clay in only Ohio mud, the tools are at hand in garages and factories. Casting can be achieved in almost every town.

The material called iron or steel I hold in high respect. What it can do in arriving at a form economically, no other material can do.. .What associations it possesses are those of this century: power, structure, movement, progress, suspension, destruction, brutality. [quote, early 1950's]

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