Artist research :Andy Goldsworthy- Natural curiosity

 " Andy Goldsworthy OBE is an English sculptor and environmentalist who produces site- specific sculpture and land art situated in natural and urban settings" wikipeadia

I chose these two works as they relate to the autumnal/ leaf themes that I started this project with.

Goldsworthy is a bit of a crowd pleaser in terms of popular artists and it easy to see why as his work is so relatable in subject and so beautiful to look at.

Creating his work exclusively with found natural objects and placing them within the natural landscape.

Goldsworthy describing his work.

Its the ephemeral aspect of his work that most interests me. Though his work is captured and preserved by photography, essentially the sculptures themselves are temporary as they will melt, decay or be displaced. This is a reflection of the circular, fragile way of  nature, fleeting, yet renewing- creation and decay, a reminder to enjoy the beauty of the season, a memento mori.

Also it brings to mind this poem by Robert Frost;

Handwritten poem with found leaves.

Though our time experience on earth may be fleeting we should not be selfish with the resources and leave the world behind us a better place, some artists seek to immortalise themselves with strong, physical works made of enduring materials. I think there is something very humble about working close to nature with such a temporary medium.

This artists relates to my research as I'm interested in working with natural/ found materials and exploring different methods of "capturing nature"-  and the magical quality that nature has on the human Psyche.