Andy Goldsworthy's life is a reflection of nature. The documentary Rivers and Tides brings out Goldsworthy's appreciation of nature. By using objects such as twigs and leaves found in nature, the artist explores his role as a creator. His aim is to recreate the beauty of nature into objects of beauty that can be integrated into indoor or outdoor living. It is a beautiful mosaic that brings out the artist's mood and outlook on life. His work also takes the viewer through the circle of life. He uses fresh flowers and leaves to display life in its fullness. The incorporation of soil, stones and clay reveal the foundation of life and show where it is birthed. The use of seeds signifies the source of life while the use of snow shows the seasons of life. Goldsworthy's life is a demonstration of his imagination as he displays his art work.
The artist mostly makes art forms that don’t last. Though a few of his pieces are made to stand the test of time, majority are based on imagination. Art enthusiasts who enjoy his work are forced to save it in film form or to take photographs with which to remember it. The art work is varied in its longevity. Goldsworthy's aim is to demonstrate that some aspects of life have some semblance of permanency while others are seasonal. One of his permanent works is the winding wall which is a symbol of the stability and permanence that can be found in faith. Other works such as his float of beautiful flowers that he subjects to the river show fleeting or temporary beauty. The float unravels and the once beautiful leaves unravel and decompose.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
The artist uses art as his personal therapy. This can be understood because Goldsworthy is quoted as describing art as one of the sources of his nourishment. He sees both nature and art as a spiritual gateway. Through both these media, he can fulfill his spirituality through the different depictions. For example, he can create an image of a housing structure out of twigs and then subject it to the ocean or a water body that will dismantle it. This creative presentation of his work shows that life is constantly changing. He therefore chooses to change without instead of subjecting himself to an endless stagnancy. This is probably why the artist calls his sculptures earth works. His exclusive use of organic materials depicts his love and admiration of nature. Other similar forms are the pieces made out of ice which eventually melt into oblivion. The main aim of this is to trigger the consumers of his art to engage their imagination in the same way that he uses his.
Ultimately, Goldsworthy's intention is to encourage this generation to embrace the beauty in temporary occurrences. By letting nature destroy his work, he is in essence showing that he has no attachment to temporary or earthly things. He does not wish to become an artistically icon whose works outlive him. Instead, he wishes to use his art as a tool to advance his religion and encourage conversion. It also teaches his followers to treasure only those things that cannot be taken away by the world. This can be seen in the way he refers to his art as nourishment that must be consumed regularly. This is a metaphorical reference to his spirituality which is more important to him than any earthly accomplishment.
Art plays a similar role in my life. My main attraction towards art lies in its therapeutic effect. Viewing art pieces leads me to a place of meditation that makes me reflect on things that are bigger than myself. For example, when I look upon an architectural master piece, I acknowledge that it serves a purpose of housing and aesthetic appeal. This draws me into the mind of the artist by raising questions of what inspired him. This thought process is enough to inspire me to carry on in my search for meaning in my situation. Art can also inspire me. For example, during periods of stagnancy and low productivity, purchasing a painting that symbolises fertility can be my source of inspiration. This will help me to forge ahead and focus on what I need to get to a place of fruitfulness. Art is the ultimate mood enhancer as it communicates messages beyond what is on the surface. A unique piece of art can help me carry out my tasks better by expanding my mindset. It creates aspects of life that become food for thought. Art gives color to life and makes every function more enjoyable.
Art is also my tool of self expression as I use it to communicate to others. Some art forms such as vases that I give as gifts are used as a reflection of the beauty that I see in the recipient of the gift. Such a gift is intended to bring joy to the recipient just as it brings a smile on my face. Other less positive gifts such as an abstract painting of darkness can be used to show displeasure or hurt that was inflicted on me. This is often my way of starting starting a conversation through the other person. Art is my tool of communication just as it is my source of therapy. In conclusion, art is a tool of comfort, communication, therapy, spirituality and self expression.
