Richard Serra

"Serra was born in San Francisco and he went on to study English literature at the University of California, Berkeley and later at the University of California, Santa Barbara between 1957 and 1961. He then studied fine art at Yale University between 1961 and 1964. While on the West Coast, he helped support himself by working in steel mills, which was to have a strong influence on his later work.

He is the brother of famed San Francisco trial attorney Tony Serra. Serra lives outside of New York and in Nova Scotia.

In June, 2008, Williams College conferred upon Serra the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts." (wikipedia.com)

"Serra's earliest work was abstract and process-based made from molten lead hurled in large splashes against the wall of a studio or exhibition space. Still, he is better known for hisminimalist constructions from large rolls and sheets of metal (COR-TEN-Steel). Many of these pieces are self-supporting and emphasize the weight and nature of the materials. Rolls of lead are designed to sag over time. His exterior steel sculptures go through an initial oxidation process, but after 8–10 years, the patina of the steel settles to one color that will remain relatively stable over the piece's life. Serra often constructs site-specific installations, frequently on a scale that dwarfs the observer." (wikipedia.com)  

more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Serra

What I find interesting and impressive about Richard Serra's work is the way he takes one space and transforms it into another.  The way he does it, not just with walls or furniture, but with massive flowing forms of steel.  His work is not only breath taking to look at but mind boggling to experience.