Chamberlain’s characteristic crushed-steel sculpture has been credited by Richard Serra as providing permission for those of his generation to adventure further. Studying and teaching at Black Mountain college, he found kindred spirits in the poets Olson, Duncan and — a lifelong friend, and sometime collaborator — Creeley. Out of materials to work with, Chamberlain took the bumpers off Rivers’ old Ford, and drove over them to reshape them. Huelsenbeck introduced him to Tinguely (surely another kindred spirit). Judd was an important supporter — Chamberlain incorporated a crushed cube of his into one of his own pieces.