Simple Nature: The Art of Andy Goldsworthy
By Melissa Vest
Filed Under Arts & Culture |
In a world that is ever buzzing, growing, moving, and consuming there is an underlying push toward the opposite. There lies in each of us a need for stillness, contemplation, and closeness to nature. We look for ways to balance our needs. Even within the environmental movement, we are continuously striving to balance our desires for more. We’re always looking for ways to make our day-to-day lives simpler. And in turn, we ask ourselves what can do to save this precious planet? We recycle; we buy LED light bulbs, we shop consciously, and we tote around our PVC-free yoga mats. However, the question remains: are we really connecting with the earth on a deeper level while on our quest to save it?
Sometimes art can help us tap into our universal connection to nature. The work of U.K. based environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy does just that. His work is an exquisite reminder of why we buy organic clothing, why we take five-minute showers, why we use scratchy toilet paper, and why we continue to strive to do more. Through his unique medium of environmental art, Goldsworthy succeeds in transporting us to the core of nature’s beauty and strength.
Goldsworthy creates a myriad of environmental art projects, some built indoors and others built outdoors. Indoors, his artwork can look as if they were laid there by a swift wind, and outdoors they represent human interpretations of nature itself. In any setting, they are a single moment’s perfection. They seem to be suspended in time, and are left to simply wash away, crumble, ruin, or break down from the elements. Like in nature, his installations are created to age and weather, and to only last for short amounts of time. According to Goldsworthy, “My sculpture can last for days or a few seconds — what is important to me is the experience of making. I leave most of my work outside and often return to watch it decay.”
Each piece is created using as many natural tools as possible. For example, when Goldsworthy strings together long chains of leaves, he uses his own spit. He also uses thorns to string together wonderfully fascinating layers of branches. The use of natural materials lends itself to simplicity, and ultimately a human perspective of nature at its finest. Goldsworthy sees each element of his art as part of nature itself, “My art is an attempt to reach beyond the surface appearance. I want to see growth in wood, time in stone, nature in a city…”
Goldsworthy’s work is mostly documented through photography, which preserves it in a single instance. His use of natural materials ranges from ice and snow to leaves, twigs, clay, and rocks. Some are completed through the use of volunteers, and others are an individual creation. From twigs seemingly “growing” out of the water, to bright circular mandalas made of orange and yellow leaves, each work is unique.
Sometimes on this journey towards sustainability we need a reminder of why we sink our hearts into such a cause. Each work by Goldsworthy gives us a pause, an opportunity to silently meditate. Everyone will see something different, but if you look close enough and long enough you just might not need that yoga mat after all.
Enjoy more about Goldsworthy’s Work:
- Watch a clip of the artist’s movie: Rivers and Tides.
- Purchase Enclosure, a book by Goldsworthy.
- Explore Artisan Cam featuring interactive media, video, and more.
Posted on October 6, 2008 |
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Beautiful artwork! And this is a lovely commentary on the connection between the arts, sustainability and contemplation.
Beauty is often found by looking differently at something common. I find Fall a wonderful time to do this, when nature starts to “put-a-way” its new growth for the year and then becomes “lighter” — leaving new spaces to see through and to reflect on the deeper meanings of our living. Good job, in reminding us that — beauty is mindful!
Another beautiful article on the fusion of art with nature Melissa! Thank you. The photos are gorgeous and your writing reflects so perfectly the beauty of your topic.