Andy Goldsworthy

Andy Goldsworthy is an artist who lives in Scotland. He works exclusively in nature, using only natural resources and materials that he finds during his long walks, such as leaves, rocks, ice, reeds, and anything else you can think of that you may find in nature. The majority of the pieces he creates are temporary, and therefore cannot be sold. To overcome this, Goldsworthy takes photos of his work -a whole different piece of art in and of itself- and sells them. He also has released a few movies, that documents the construction of many of his pieces, and also gives him an opportunity to voice what his artwork and what it means to him.
This I think is the most important part of Goldsworthy’s work. For him, creating his work in nature is self-gratifying. It is made clear that the work he does if for himself, and that the photography and movie sales are there because like everyone else, he needs to make a living for himself and his family. I find that this sets him apart from other artists. Certainly, other artists create art for self-gratifying reasons, but it doesn’t seem as genuine as Goldsworthy’s pieces do. With all other art, there is a feeling that in the back of these artists’ minds, they are ultimately wanting it to sell. Goldsworthy doesn’t come across that way, which I think is difficult to find these days.
In Rivers and Tides, Goldsworthy’s most popular movie release, he talks about how his pieces keep him rooted and centered.
The video clip following is the scene of Rivers and Tides where he is speaking about his work, and why he does what he does. It sums up Goldsworthy’s mission in a few short minutes.

None of Goldsworthy’s pieces make use of tools of any kind, outside of his hands. He uses no mortar, nails, or any substance or material that has been processed by man prior to its application. This gives a whole new meaning to his work, that his work is truly born out of nature. It offers the statement that all the resources we need to create such beauty are out there, and one just needs the right perspective and lens to see it through in order for that beauty to come out. I find Goldsworthy to be a visionary, in a very primitive way. People go out of their ways to find innovation through new materials, inventions and so on… but Goldsworthy is still able to find innovation and inspiration in what is older than mankind itself.


Works Cited:

Youtube
National Gallery of Art
Rivers and Tides official website