Pages

Tuesday 26 July 2016

Influences no. 4 ~ Andy Goldsworthy

Andy Goldsworthy


Following on from my love of nature which I've already written about in terms of it influencing my textile and art work, I also love the art of Andy Goldsworthy. I suppose that's obvious really, as I love nature and art, so this combines the two.


Andy Goldsworthy


I first heard of Andy Goldsworthy when I did the Foundation Art course and absolutely loved what he does. His art had an influence on my final degree work, although mine was in textiles, of course, rather than real, natural materials.

I love this one where the reflection of the sticks in the water make it look like a circle.

Andy Goldsworthy

I love the way he just uses what's there in the environment, anything lying around: sticks, stones, leaves......


Andy Goldsworthy


He doesn't add anything and he doesn't take anything from its natural environment. When the work is complete, he leaves it to the mercy of the elements, allowing it to disintegrate and decay and become part of the land again. But, having said that, his art looks like it is part of the land anyway, like a natural extension of the materials already existing there. They look completely at home in the space, adding to it and not detracting from it. Rather than being all about the art, his work makes you look at the land and realise its beauty.


Andy Goldsworthy


The work Andy Goldsworthy has made from ice is, I think, spectacular as he only used water which then froze to stick the parts together. Left to melt, they disappear even more completely than the art he creates from stones and sticks, the water soaking into the ground and the art, being so ephemeral, lasting only until the temperature rises, reminds us how quickly things can change.


Andy Goldsworthy



Andy Goldsworthy


I'm inspired by the way he uses colour and form and I aim to do a similar type of thing in my work, but using fabric and sewing or paint.

I'll leave you with two pictures of this wonderful gradient of colour.....

Andy Goldsworthy


...and this mystical looking bridge between trees in a wintery wood. 


Andy Goldsworthy