Andy Goldsworthy

Andy Goldsworthy is one of the most famous of the contemporary environmental artists working today.  While his work does not necessarily intentionally advocate for environmentalism, it does glorify the landscape and products produced by nature.  Goldsworthy uses found objects from nature such as leaves, twigs, rocks, and ice to construct artificial landscapes. 

His work is not intended to be permanent.  These sculptural artworks often are destroyed by nature, sometimes within a short amount of time.  For example, many of Goldsworthy’s works are created on or near water.  The water eventually, sometimes quickly, disperse the original artwork until there is no trace left.  Although some artworks, such as those made from stone and rock, are able to be transported to galleries and shows, photography is necessary to provide a record of much of Goldsworthy’s work.  

A work entitled Boulder Wrapped in Poppy Petals is an example of how photography is essential in preserving Goldsworthy’s work for others to see.  In this work, several large boulders, mottled with moss, are seen.  A smaller boulder, near the middle of the photograph is nestled within several larger boulders.  The smaller boulder is, at least from the point of view of the photograph, is entirely covered will brilliant red poppy petals.  The work uses only natural materials found near the site of the artwork.  As the leaves are not attached to the boulder in any artificial manner, a quick rain shower would wash the majority of them away leaving the boulder underneath exposed again.  The photograph documents the moment in time in which the work looked as it did and allows future viewers to see the work as Goldsworthy did at the moment of its creation. 

Goldsworthy is quoted as stating, “What is important to me is that at the heart of whatever I do are a growing understanding and sharper perception of the land.” (Manczak, 2002, p.133)  It is this sharper perception of the land that can lend itself to educating a more caring generation of students.  Blandy and Hoffman assert that art educators should push their teaching toward an art education of place.  “The ultimate goal of such an art education will be to teach students about art in a way that promotes an understanding of the interdependence and interconnectedness of all things.” (Blandy & Hoffman, 1993, p.28)  If students realize that we are interconnected with the natural environment, they can begin to use their art as a tool to increase awareness of environmental problems.