“There are two different ways of looking at the world. You can walk on the path, or you can walk through the hedge. And I think that’s the beauty of art, that it just makes you step aside, off the normal way of walking or looking…”
“There’s this wonderful sort of tension in the wind — that moment when you’re held there suspended is a very beautiful moment … a moment of clarity in a very chaotic situation. … It’s like a shaft of light that penetrates.”
— Andy Goldsworthy, from “Leaning Into the Wind” (1987)
Notes:
- Andy Goldsworthy (born 26 July 1956) is a British sculptor, photographer and environmentalist who produces site-specific sculptures and land art situated in natural and urban settings. He lives and works in Scotland.
- Quotes via The Hammock Papers.
- Post Title & Inspiration: Aldous Huxley: “It’s dark because you are trying too hard. Lightly child, lightly. Learn to do everything lightly. Yes, feel lightly even though you’re feeling deeply. Just lightly let things happen and lightly cope with them.”
Live & Learn 
I got to know Goldsworthy – what a name already, isn’t it?! 🙂 – when a work pal of HH gave us his first book for our wedding. I subsequently bought all his work, and also got the film on his art. He is absolutely incredible.
It’s good of you to ‘distribute’ his work of thoughts, feelings and then, of course, of his actual body of work, to your large readership. May it inspire many more to get to know this outstanding human being.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thanks Kiki. Just learned of him week. Just awesome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
i’d recognize the beauty of andy goldsworthy anywhere – my absolute favorite artist. i try to instill my love of his art and approach to life and nature each year with my class. even the youngest ones get it –
LikeLiked by 3 people
I see you do exactly that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beth, you never cease to amaze and delight me. He’s one of those rare human beings who is not only preaching but doing what he believes in. And of course, kids are still very open to any suggestion and grasp important meanings instinctively. Thank you for teaching them the really important stuff.
My son, a landscape gardener, devoured his work too, sadly he doesn’t understand English well enough but this is typically an art you understand with your soul and language barriers are not important.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Exactly right, kiki
LikeLiked by 2 people
it is a challenge at first for them to understand the idea of creating art and letting it go back to nature. only capturing it in a photo if they want to preserve it in someway, but they soon come to understand, as I hear them say to each other, “let it go back to nature, goodbye” after creating outside
LikeLiked by 2 people
The work itself is inspiring, yet the words are grabbing me even more…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Mimi, hi – long time no heard! You are right – that’s what I meant with my former remark re my son – art AND words – the crème de la crème. And so honest, so true.
LikeLike
Hi Kiki – I’ve been here – arguably in the shadows…I’m with you – art and words, art in words, art through words, words through art…hugs, m
LikeLiked by 1 person
With you Mimi on the words….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have long been a fan of Goldworthy’s work. I love the way in which he works in concert with nature, teasing out new forms of beauty and making the viewer reconsider a familiar scene. And this line, “…that’s the beauty of art, that it just makes you step aside, off the normal way of walking or looking…” Yes, yes, yes sings my heart…. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Could I be the only human who has never heard of Goldworthy? Where have I been?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dave, I confess I WAS a bit surprised that you hadn’t heard of him – but you have such a vast ’empire’ of authors, artists, writers, musicians and such a command of finding for us the nuggets of the purest gold that it is a delight that we, your friends and readers, know something (for once) which is new to you.
Maybe you lift the stone under which you occasionally sleep, a bit and you’ll find ppl like Andy?! (That was an ironic nudge, no more than that – we mustn’t start WW3 over this 😉 )
LikeLiked by 1 person
Laughing. Time to double down on Art consumption!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Laughing…I’m sure there are one or two others who don’t know his work…😋
LikeLike
Wonderful. Thank you for the introduction.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Dale.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
Wise words!! … ““There are two different ways of looking at the world.” – and more. — Andy Goldsworthy, from “Leaning Into the Wind” (1987).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not sure what I like more – the art or his words. A talented artist for sure…
LikeLiked by 1 person