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Inspiration from Andy Goldsworthy

Feb 26th, 2008 by Kathy

Kendra Allen created these fabulous birch bark prayer flags for last month’s Out of the Box challenge. Kendra was the one who submitted this challenge idea, at the meeting she spoke further about her inspiration for the idea and a discussion about Andy Goldsworthy ensued.

When I got home from the meeting I reserved some books, Hand to Earth and A Collaboration with Nature, and a movie, Rivers & Tides, from the library. The girls and I watched the film on Saturday, WOW. It’s an extremely powerful film on a number of levels. We were all struck by the mental aspects of creating art that you know will disappear back into the environment, sometimes within minutes and hours. The artist’s patience and discipline is captured in the film as well as his devotion to pursuing his craft. I would say to an obsessive extent, another discussion provoking aspect of the movie. Leil wondered how his wife and children felt while he was off making art by himself. Caitlin commented that he is the ultimate re-cycled materials artist! We were all amazed and awed by the pure beauty of his art.

After the film was over the book pages started turning. Each go around through the images would reveal new observations, subtle uses of materials and composition that were missed on the first look. Our play in the garden, the woods, and the beach will never be the same.

Posted in Out of the Box | 13 Comments

13 Responses to “Inspiration from Andy Goldsworthy”

on 26 Feb 2008 at 1:03 pm1adrienne

Oh wow! I will have to check that out!!!!
on 26 Feb 2008 at 1:13 pm2Kristin L

The best part about this story? The meaningful and mind-expanding conversations with your girls. Fantastic how a challenge that only you participated in turned out to effect the whole family.
on 26 Feb 2008 at 2:40 pm3Tricia

I LOVE Andy Goldsworth! I have one of his books, but I have not seen the movie. Thanks for the tip:)
on 26 Feb 2008 at 3:11 pm4Administrator

Kristin: I couldn’t agree more, we’re still making observations and discussing it. It’s the first time Leil (age 9) actually sat through a movie like that and participated. I’ve always been able to rope Caitlin into documentaries, her favorite is Super Size Me!
on 26 Feb 2008 at 3:20 pm5PaMdora

I’m inspired now, looking at the books you’ve mentioned. I’ll have to get copies to study. Thanks!
on 26 Feb 2008 at 3:51 pm6Sue B

those prayer flags are fabulous! I’m off to check out all those links you posted.
on 26 Feb 2008 at 4:53 pm7Mama Urchin

So interesting, I’ll have to request them too. Libraries are so great, aren’t they?
on 26 Feb 2008 at 7:31 pm8Charlene

Kathy, I love your blog! Thank you for all that you share! I am always inspired and learn something new!
on 27 Feb 2008 at 8:59 am9Administrator

Mama Urchin: We’re extremely lucky here, our library has a huge collection of just about everything. I rarely purchase a book that I haven’t first checked out from the library.

Charlene: Thank you!
on 27 Feb 2008 at 8:43 pm10Kristin

I’ve never heard of this artist. I just ordered the movie from Netflix. I think our whole family will enjoy it too!
on 28 Feb 2008 at 8:02 pm11Carolyn

fun banner…or prayer flag. may the broadcast you message of peace across the world!
on 29 Feb 2008 at 8:52 am12Chara Michele

Sounds interesting!
on 07 Mar 2008 at 1:53 am13shannon

He was an artist in residence when I was in college/grad school and since DH and I were contantly hiking the gorges and swimming in the waterfalls around school we eventually stumbled upon one of his pieces - so cool to be in (sort of ) the middle of nowhere and see this beautiful composition just sitting there….