An amazing artist - Andy Goldsworthy

The other day, a friend of mine introduced me to the world of artist/naturalist Andy Goldsworthy. He is a British artist, working directly with nature to make his creations. Often he works with whatever comes to hand- be it twigs, stones, leaves, snow, icicles, pinceones, reeds or even mud. He produces site specific sculptures, some permanent, some transient in both natural and urban settings.

Some of his creations are transient, which I find particularly interesting. In these instances, he is working with nature, and nature like the seasons, inevitably change. He photographs these transient or momentary artsworks as soon as they are created to capture the moment when the work is "most alive". These artworks don't have any permanency- they reflect on the passage of time and the imminent decay of his work by the forces of nature.

One interesting project was when he placed 13 giant snowballs made in Scotland, through the streets of London on Midsummers Day 2000. As they melted, they left behind all sorts of natural and not so natural wonders- like elderberries, barley, pine cones, barbed wire, chalk, pebbles and even highland cow hair. The melting process was all documented through a series of photographs.

Look him up on the net. He is amazing!! Please note I have really only placed his winter related pieces here to view. However I think some of his most beautiful work is that done with Spring flowers and other found objects throughout the seasons. I think I might just revisit his work in months to come!!

Written by Briony

Art by Andy Goldsworthy