Andy Goldsworthy Analysis

Goldsworthy was born 26 July 1956 and he is a British sculptor, photographer and environmentalist producing site-specific sculpture and land art situated in natural and urban settings. He lives and works in Scotland. Andy Goldsworthy is a brilliant British artist who collaborates with nature to make his creations. Besides England and Scotland, his work has been created at the North Pole, in Japan, the Australian Outback, in the U.S. and many others. Goldsworthy regards his creations as temporary, or transient. He photographs each piece once right after he makes it. His goal is to understand nature by directly participating in nature as intimately as he can. He generally works with whatever comes to hand: twigs, leaves, stones, snow and ice,
This piece of work is very emblematic and significant because of its temporary characteristics. The yellow leaves are wrapped around a series of braches that are laid out on the ground. The natural element of water is used to keep the leaves intact on the branches. Over the period of two weeks, Goldsworthy noticed that the prominent yellow line of leaves and branches started to fade into a harsh, brown colour. Eventually the leaves turned into a dark and dull colour which made it camouflage with the ground. This ever-changing quality of nature makes the viewer’s realise the message that he is trying to convey through this artwork. This message is referring to the true quality of life. Goldsworthy is feeling the need to express to us humans that we are also here for only a short period of time and that someday we will perish as well (just like the leaves camouflaging into the ground.) He seems to be reminding us that we need to stop being selfish and just stop and enjoy the beauty of our lives before it’s all over. Andy Goldsworthy uses the environment as a vital stimulus for his work. He does this by creating sculpture and works of art through the use of nature and the