As time goes on, I realize more and more that, beginning in the early 30's, David Smith began setting the precedent for what was to come later for many of us.

As time goes on, I realize more and more that, beginning in the early 30's, David Smith began setting the precedent for what was to come later for many of us.

Pollock was well known, certainly, but for all the wrong reasons. He was known as much for being wild and unconventional in his working methods as for being a great artist.

With artists of my own generation there was at first no group identity - and never a clique.

For me context is the key - from that comes the understanding of everything.

Context begins with other artists - seniors and mentors.

I met David Smith through my former wife, Cornelia, who'd studied with him.