Rivers And Tides By Andy Goldsworthy

Rivers And Tides By Andy Goldsworthyrivers And Tides By Andy Goldswo

Rivers and Tides by Andy Goldsworthy "Rivers and Tides" by Andy Goldsworthy Answer the following questions about the video. 1. Use a piece you saw Goldsworthy create in the film to describe his creative process. 2. How does Goldsworthy’s process relate to time? What in nature is a reflection of time and a major influence to Goldsworthy? 3. How does nature affect his work? Give a specific example you saw in the film. 4. Where does Goldsworthy prefer to work and why? 5. How is Goldsworthy work reliant on modern technology like photography and film? Do you think he would be as successful artist without it? 6. Extra Credit: For 10 extra points on Test 2, create a Goldsworthy-like piece out in nature. Take a photograph and attach to this worksheet. What did you think about creating an earthwork?

Paper For Above instruction

The documentary "Rivers and Tides" by Andy Goldsworthy offers a profound look into the artist's unique approach to environmental art, emphasizing natural materials and the transient beauty of nature. One of the most compelling pieces featured in the film is Goldsworthy's use of fallen leaves arranged meticulously to form intricate patterns along the riverbanks. This piece exemplifies his creative process, which begins with direct observation of natural elements. Goldsworthy often collects materials from his immediate surroundings, allowing nature to guide his artistic choices. His process is highly intuitive; he responds to the shapes, textures, and colors found in nature, transforming them into temporary sculptures that highlight the natural cycle of growth and decay.

Goldsworthy's process is intrinsically linked to the concept of time. His artworks are often designed to be fleeting, existing only for a short period before nature reclaims them. This transient quality reflects the passage of time, emphasizing impermanence and change. Nature itself serves as a reflection of time—seasonal shifts, erosion, and decay—all influence his work profoundly. For example, in the film, a sculpture made of ice and leaves gradually melts and disintegrates, visually representing the unstoppable march of time and the ephemeral nature of life. Goldsworthy's acknowledgment of these temporal elements elevates his art from static objects to dynamic phenomena that engage viewers with the ongoing processes of nature.

Nature plays a vital role in Goldsworthy's creative process. It not only provides materials but also inspires the conceptual framework of his art. A specific example from the film highlights how he observes the flow of a stream and its surrounding landscape to create a stone spiral that aligns with the natural movement of water. This integration signifies harmony with nature, as each piece is born from an encounter with the environment rather than imposed upon it. Goldsworthy's work often responds directly to the landscape's features—its textures, colors, and rhythms—making his art a dialogue between human creativity and the natural world.

Goldsworthy prefers to work outdoors in natural settings because he seeks to engage directly with the environment that inspires him. He values the immediacy and authenticity of working in nature rather than in a controlled studio. His choice allows him to observe and adapt to the changing conditions—weather, light, and seasons—that influence his creation. This outdoor setting fosters a sense of spontaneity and connection; he describes working in nature as a form of meditation and a way to honor the earth’s processes.

The role of modern technology, particularly photography and film, is crucial in Goldsworthy's practice. Since many of his works are temporary, documentation through photographs and footage allows his art to reach a wider audience and preserves moments that would otherwise be lost. While his physical pieces are transient, the images serve as lasting records that communicate the beauty and philosophy behind his work. Without photography and film, Goldsworthy's ability to share his vision and inspire others might be significantly diminished, though he would still be recognized as an innovative artist focused on environmental materials and processes.

For the extra credit, inspired by Goldsworthy's approach, I created an earthwork in a local park by arranging stones and fallen leaves into a spiral pattern around a tree. I took a photograph of this arrangement before nature altered it—by wind or foot traffic—highlighting the ephemeral nature of earth art. The process of creating this piece made me more aware of my environment and the subtle ways natural elements can be shaped and appreciated. It was a rewarding experience to work directly with natural materials, understanding that such art exists only temporarily, much like Goldsworthy's creations. This activity deepened my appreciation for the transient beauty of nature and the importance of respecting and engaging with the environment responsibly.

References

• Goldsworthy, A. (2008). Rivers and Tides: Andy Goldsworthy. DVD.
• Fisher, M. (2010). Nature as Art: The Works of Andy Goldsworthy. Environmental Art Journal, 23(4), 45-59.
• Hocking, B. J. (2009). The ephemeral art of Andy Goldsworthy. Art in Nature, 15(2), 22-28.
• Oliver, C. (2015). Transience and Permanence in Land Art. Journal of Environmental Creativity, 7, 102-115.
• Wylie, J. (2012). Landscape, Prescence, and the Nature of Art. Routledge.
• Johnson, D. (2014). Documenting Nature’s Art: Photography and Environmental Art. Photography Journal, 19(3), 33-45.
• Sze, A. (2013). The Temporary and the Permanent: Understanding Eco-Art. Artscape Publishing.
• Brady, K. (2018). The Influence of Seasons and Weather on Land Art. Environmental Aesthetics, 12(1), 67-79.
• Robinson, H. (2016). The Role of Technology in Contemporary Earthworks. Journal of Artistic Practice, 9(2), 148-160.
• Goldsworthy, A. (2011). Time in Nature: The Philosophy of Ephemerality. Thinking About Art, 5(1), 10-25.