ANDY GOLDSWORTHY
Andy Goldsworthy seems to possess the instinct of our early ancestors since he likes to create art from nature. He understands that we, as artists, are mere imitators of nature. His works are like the remnants of fairies, such as the transient artwork, Rowan Leaves and Hole. The dark hole in the center of the leaves draws you in, yet it cautions at the same time because it resembles an entrance into another dimension. The entrance is so entrancing that you have an urge to explore it, yet it is also foreboding because there is the unknown that keeps you away. It is a pity that so many of his artworks are transient, but it makes sense since his artworks stem from nature, and nature is transitory. So, in a way, there is this sad quality about his transient artworks. Nevertheless, his passing creations are appreciated for reminding us that we too are mortal. The ephemeral quality of his creations teaches us that we are of the fleeting kind.
His strength, however, lies in his stone artworks like the Slate stack at Little Langdale, Cumbria. You see the stone artwork and cannot help gasping in wonder because you feel as if you have entered another world; what you observe is created out of nature but looking unnaturally breathtaking. It is the kind of stuff we may see in dreams if we are lucky. We expect wee creatures to live in the kind of castle-like creation that he formed out of rocks. If there is a chance, visit the National Gallery of Art, the East Building in Washington, DC and check out his artwork Roof. Unlike the Slate stack at Little Langdale, which imparts powerful emotions, the Roof, which is also created out of stones, presents a bit of whimsy as well as being astonishing. Let us hope that he will create more of the lasting artworks since no artist will prefer to be called a “starving” artist—although I don’t think he is starving.