Anne here, taking a slight detour away from history for the moment and into the realm of contemporary art, specifically sculpture. Nicola's blog on Wednesday, where she mentioned standing stones, got me thinking about one of my favorite artists — certainly my favorite living artist, Andy Goldsworthy.
Andy Goldsworthy is an artist from the UK, but he's worked in countries all over the world, creating artworks both timeless and ephemeral. I discovered him in the 1990's, by accident, while browsing through books in a bookshop, waiting for a friend. I bought that first book, and I've bought a number of his books since, and still prize them. They make wonderful gifts, too. I've never found anyone who his work didn't speak to, no matter what their cultural or educational background. 
One definition of an artist is someone who shows us familiar things in an unfamiliar way. Andy Goldsworthy certainly does that. For me, there's a childlike wonder in his work. He shows us nature as we never experience it, yet his art draws us closer to nature.
A reviewer in The Smithsonian said: "A new kind of poetry is created when Andy Goldsworthy works with stone, wood and water — our world never looks quite the same again" ~ "Searching for the window into nature's soul", Smithsonian magazine (February 1997)
He works mainly in the open air, in all kinds of weather, creating art from the materials he finds around him. He's made sculptures on the North Pole in freezing conditions, and in the desert in baking heat.
He doesn't use any of the normal tools of a sculptor — no chisels or hammers or glue or anything like that — he creates from the environment, using what the landscape provides, so he might sew leaves together with thorns, or wrap rocks in autumn leaves, or use his spit in freezing temperatures to hold together confections of ice, or join reeds with thorns to make a delicate screen, like the one in this picture. He also stacks rocks in wonderful ways, using dry stone wall techniques, among others. He's made cairns like the one above all over the world. There's even one in my home town of Melbourne. I must confess, I really love dry stone walls and cairns.
He said: "I enjoy the freedom of just using my hands and "found" tools–a sharp stone, the quill of a feather, thorns. I take the opportunities each day offers: if it is snowing, I work with snow, at leaf-fall it will be with leaves; a blown-over tree becomes a source of twigs and branches. I stop at a place or pick up a material because I feel that there is something to be discovered. Here is where I can learn."
I've watched videos of him creating his sculptures and it's so impressive. He's amazingly patient, and his works are frequently spoiled at the last minute, by a breeze, a wave, an animal or by gravity, and yet he never seems to lose his cool. He just starts again. 
Many of his works of art only last a few hours or a few days. Snow melts, leaves wither, tides sweep sand constrictions away. Other of his works will last for many years, but they are not always kept in art galleries or museums — many stand out in the wind and the rain and the hot sun.
Luckily for the ordinary person, he takes photos of his work and sells the best of them in books. (All of the photos on this blog were taken by Andy Goldsworthy.)
Sometimes puts a note about the work in the book with the photo. Some read like short poems.
Iris blades pinned together with thorns
filled in five sections with rowan berries
fish attacking from below
difficult to keep all the berries in
nibbled at by ducks
Rowan leaves laid around a hole 
collecting the last few leaves
nearly finished
dog ran into hole
started again
made in the shade on a windy, sunny day
A portfolio of his work is listed at this website.
There's a rather beautiful video of Andy Goldsworthy and his work here. I hope you find it as fascinating as I do.
So, tell me, what do you think? Do you like them or not? Is there a piece of art or sculpture that really speaks to you? Or would you rather stay home with a good book?
*Anne coming in after the post above was posted, to say how horrified I am about the news coming out of Japan. My thoughts are with the Japanese people at this terrible time.
Thank you so much for introducing me to Andy, Anne! I love his work, and how it makes you really look and focus on both his creations and the space around them.
I’ve always been pretty traditional in my taste in art, and never really understood some of the outdoor installations called ‘art.” I was very skeptical of the Christo Orange Banner Project in Central Park when it was announced a number of years ago . . .and then I went to see it, just to scoff. And was enchanted. I watched how people smiled, and looked up at the trees and sky. I listened to the wind rippling through the cloth, and watched the sun glinting off the bright color. And suddenly I “got” it.
Anything that makes people stop, and look and appreciate the forms of nature, is IMO, a Very Good Thing.
Thank you so much for introducing me to Andy, Anne! I love his work, and how it makes you really look and focus on both his creations and the space around them.
I’ve always been pretty traditional in my taste in art, and never really understood some of the outdoor installations called ‘art.” I was very skeptical of the Christo Orange Banner Project in Central Park when it was announced a number of years ago . . .and then I went to see it, just to scoff. And was enchanted. I watched how people smiled, and looked up at the trees and sky. I listened to the wind rippling through the cloth, and watched the sun glinting off the bright color. And suddenly I “got” it.
Anything that makes people stop, and look and appreciate the forms of nature, is IMO, a Very Good Thing.
Thank you so much for introducing me to Andy, Anne! I love his work, and how it makes you really look and focus on both his creations and the space around them.
I’ve always been pretty traditional in my taste in art, and never really understood some of the outdoor installations called ‘art.” I was very skeptical of the Christo Orange Banner Project in Central Park when it was announced a number of years ago . . .and then I went to see it, just to scoff. And was enchanted. I watched how people smiled, and looked up at the trees and sky. I listened to the wind rippling through the cloth, and watched the sun glinting off the bright color. And suddenly I “got” it.
Anything that makes people stop, and look and appreciate the forms of nature, is IMO, a Very Good Thing.
Thank you so much for introducing me to Andy, Anne! I love his work, and how it makes you really look and focus on both his creations and the space around them.
I’ve always been pretty traditional in my taste in art, and never really understood some of the outdoor installations called ‘art.” I was very skeptical of the Christo Orange Banner Project in Central Park when it was announced a number of years ago . . .and then I went to see it, just to scoff. And was enchanted. I watched how people smiled, and looked up at the trees and sky. I listened to the wind rippling through the cloth, and watched the sun glinting off the bright color. And suddenly I “got” it.
Anything that makes people stop, and look and appreciate the forms of nature, is IMO, a Very Good Thing.
Thank you so much for introducing me to Andy, Anne! I love his work, and how it makes you really look and focus on both his creations and the space around them.
I’ve always been pretty traditional in my taste in art, and never really understood some of the outdoor installations called ‘art.” I was very skeptical of the Christo Orange Banner Project in Central Park when it was announced a number of years ago . . .and then I went to see it, just to scoff. And was enchanted. I watched how people smiled, and looked up at the trees and sky. I listened to the wind rippling through the cloth, and watched the sun glinting off the bright color. And suddenly I “got” it.
Anything that makes people stop, and look and appreciate the forms of nature, is IMO, a Very Good Thing.
Thank you for such an interesting post, Anne. I love some of those pieces you have shown and the poetry that accompanies them.
I’m not very well-versed in art or sculpture but one piece of sculpture based on nature that I adore is Maggi Hambling’s scallop shell sculpture on the beach at Aldeburgh in Suffolk. I love that you can sit on it and watch the ocean and listen to the sound of the wind blowing through the shell. It’s magical.
Thank you for such an interesting post, Anne. I love some of those pieces you have shown and the poetry that accompanies them.
I’m not very well-versed in art or sculpture but one piece of sculpture based on nature that I adore is Maggi Hambling’s scallop shell sculpture on the beach at Aldeburgh in Suffolk. I love that you can sit on it and watch the ocean and listen to the sound of the wind blowing through the shell. It’s magical.
Thank you for such an interesting post, Anne. I love some of those pieces you have shown and the poetry that accompanies them.
I’m not very well-versed in art or sculpture but one piece of sculpture based on nature that I adore is Maggi Hambling’s scallop shell sculpture on the beach at Aldeburgh in Suffolk. I love that you can sit on it and watch the ocean and listen to the sound of the wind blowing through the shell. It’s magical.
Thank you for such an interesting post, Anne. I love some of those pieces you have shown and the poetry that accompanies them.
I’m not very well-versed in art or sculpture but one piece of sculpture based on nature that I adore is Maggi Hambling’s scallop shell sculpture on the beach at Aldeburgh in Suffolk. I love that you can sit on it and watch the ocean and listen to the sound of the wind blowing through the shell. It’s magical.
Thank you for such an interesting post, Anne. I love some of those pieces you have shown and the poetry that accompanies them.
I’m not very well-versed in art or sculpture but one piece of sculpture based on nature that I adore is Maggi Hambling’s scallop shell sculpture on the beach at Aldeburgh in Suffolk. I love that you can sit on it and watch the ocean and listen to the sound of the wind blowing through the shell. It’s magical.
I had to pop in here when I saw your note on FB. I’m a huge fan too. I discovered his book on a visit to Rizzolis (the bookstore in NY that was featured in “Falling in Love”) and was captivated.
One of my favourite sculptures was one I saw at an art show at Beverley Minster (in East Yorkshire) years ago. I don’t remember who the artist was but it was an ironwork sculpture that looked like nuns walking together, speaking in whispers. I think it was called something like Secrets in the Cloister. I can’t describe it to do it justice, but it was so simple and yet so powerful.
I had to pop in here when I saw your note on FB. I’m a huge fan too. I discovered his book on a visit to Rizzolis (the bookstore in NY that was featured in “Falling in Love”) and was captivated.
One of my favourite sculptures was one I saw at an art show at Beverley Minster (in East Yorkshire) years ago. I don’t remember who the artist was but it was an ironwork sculpture that looked like nuns walking together, speaking in whispers. I think it was called something like Secrets in the Cloister. I can’t describe it to do it justice, but it was so simple and yet so powerful.
I had to pop in here when I saw your note on FB. I’m a huge fan too. I discovered his book on a visit to Rizzolis (the bookstore in NY that was featured in “Falling in Love”) and was captivated.
One of my favourite sculptures was one I saw at an art show at Beverley Minster (in East Yorkshire) years ago. I don’t remember who the artist was but it was an ironwork sculpture that looked like nuns walking together, speaking in whispers. I think it was called something like Secrets in the Cloister. I can’t describe it to do it justice, but it was so simple and yet so powerful.
I had to pop in here when I saw your note on FB. I’m a huge fan too. I discovered his book on a visit to Rizzolis (the bookstore in NY that was featured in “Falling in Love”) and was captivated.
One of my favourite sculptures was one I saw at an art show at Beverley Minster (in East Yorkshire) years ago. I don’t remember who the artist was but it was an ironwork sculpture that looked like nuns walking together, speaking in whispers. I think it was called something like Secrets in the Cloister. I can’t describe it to do it justice, but it was so simple and yet so powerful.
I had to pop in here when I saw your note on FB. I’m a huge fan too. I discovered his book on a visit to Rizzolis (the bookstore in NY that was featured in “Falling in Love”) and was captivated.
One of my favourite sculptures was one I saw at an art show at Beverley Minster (in East Yorkshire) years ago. I don’t remember who the artist was but it was an ironwork sculpture that looked like nuns walking together, speaking in whispers. I think it was called something like Secrets in the Cloister. I can’t describe it to do it justice, but it was so simple and yet so powerful.
Google is a wonderful thing – It’s called Cloister Conspiracy by Philip Jackson.
Google is a wonderful thing – It’s called Cloister Conspiracy by Philip Jackson.
Google is a wonderful thing – It’s called Cloister Conspiracy by Philip Jackson.
Google is a wonderful thing – It’s called Cloister Conspiracy by Philip Jackson.
Google is a wonderful thing – It’s called Cloister Conspiracy by Philip Jackson.
Cara, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ve never been a big Christo fan, but I suspect being there and seeing it in the flesh would make a difference.
Nicola, I googled that shell sculpture of Maggie Hambling’s and I agree, it’s a little touch of magic.
Cara, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ve never been a big Christo fan, but I suspect being there and seeing it in the flesh would make a difference.
Nicola, I googled that shell sculpture of Maggie Hambling’s and I agree, it’s a little touch of magic.
Cara, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ve never been a big Christo fan, but I suspect being there and seeing it in the flesh would make a difference.
Nicola, I googled that shell sculpture of Maggie Hambling’s and I agree, it’s a little touch of magic.
Cara, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ve never been a big Christo fan, but I suspect being there and seeing it in the flesh would make a difference.
Nicola, I googled that shell sculpture of Maggie Hambling’s and I agree, it’s a little touch of magic.
Cara, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ve never been a big Christo fan, but I suspect being there and seeing it in the flesh would make a difference.
Nicola, I googled that shell sculpture of Maggie Hambling’s and I agree, it’s a little touch of magic.
Anna thanks for dropping by. So pleased you also like the work of Andy Goldsworthy. I’m going to have to visit Rizzolis when I’m in NY in June. Thanks for tracking down the name of that Phillip Jackson sculpture. I googled it too, and I agree — it’s wonderful. It really does convey that feeling of secrets and mystery, doesn’t it? I’m off now to look for more of his work.
Anna thanks for dropping by. So pleased you also like the work of Andy Goldsworthy. I’m going to have to visit Rizzolis when I’m in NY in June. Thanks for tracking down the name of that Phillip Jackson sculpture. I googled it too, and I agree — it’s wonderful. It really does convey that feeling of secrets and mystery, doesn’t it? I’m off now to look for more of his work.
Anna thanks for dropping by. So pleased you also like the work of Andy Goldsworthy. I’m going to have to visit Rizzolis when I’m in NY in June. Thanks for tracking down the name of that Phillip Jackson sculpture. I googled it too, and I agree — it’s wonderful. It really does convey that feeling of secrets and mystery, doesn’t it? I’m off now to look for more of his work.
Anna thanks for dropping by. So pleased you also like the work of Andy Goldsworthy. I’m going to have to visit Rizzolis when I’m in NY in June. Thanks for tracking down the name of that Phillip Jackson sculpture. I googled it too, and I agree — it’s wonderful. It really does convey that feeling of secrets and mystery, doesn’t it? I’m off now to look for more of his work.
Anna thanks for dropping by. So pleased you also like the work of Andy Goldsworthy. I’m going to have to visit Rizzolis when I’m in NY in June. Thanks for tracking down the name of that Phillip Jackson sculpture. I googled it too, and I agree — it’s wonderful. It really does convey that feeling of secrets and mystery, doesn’t it? I’m off now to look for more of his work.
Anne, I always thought Christo was a showman rather than an artist, but the Central Park gates were quite wonderful. I now give him the benefit of the doubt!
Anne, I always thought Christo was a showman rather than an artist, but the Central Park gates were quite wonderful. I now give him the benefit of the doubt!
Anne, I always thought Christo was a showman rather than an artist, but the Central Park gates were quite wonderful. I now give him the benefit of the doubt!
Anne, I always thought Christo was a showman rather than an artist, but the Central Park gates were quite wonderful. I now give him the benefit of the doubt!
Anne, I always thought Christo was a showman rather than an artist, but the Central Park gates were quite wonderful. I now give him the benefit of the doubt!
I’ve just googled the Philip Jackson sculpture that Anna mentioned. Wow! That’s very powerful and in a cathedral would be stunning, I imagine. Some of his other work is amazing too. I’m getting quite an education here – thank you!
I’ve just googled the Philip Jackson sculpture that Anna mentioned. Wow! That’s very powerful and in a cathedral would be stunning, I imagine. Some of his other work is amazing too. I’m getting quite an education here – thank you!
I’ve just googled the Philip Jackson sculpture that Anna mentioned. Wow! That’s very powerful and in a cathedral would be stunning, I imagine. Some of his other work is amazing too. I’m getting quite an education here – thank you!
I’ve just googled the Philip Jackson sculpture that Anna mentioned. Wow! That’s very powerful and in a cathedral would be stunning, I imagine. Some of his other work is amazing too. I’m getting quite an education here – thank you!
I’ve just googled the Philip Jackson sculpture that Anna mentioned. Wow! That’s very powerful and in a cathedral would be stunning, I imagine. Some of his other work is amazing too. I’m getting quite an education here – thank you!
It’s funny, Anne, I’ve been trying to find the name of this sculpture off and on for over a year now – for some reason, it came up today! Even the photographs fill me with the same sense of awe I had when I saw them for real.
It was, Nicola – the statues are larger than life, so a very impressive sight in the Minster.
Oh and one other piece of art that speaks to me – the only art I have on my office wall – a painting called ‘After Jam’ by Mark Keller. It’s a shadowy figure of a man with a guitar case walking down a cobbled street. The first time I saw it I wanted to know his story!
It’s funny, Anne, I’ve been trying to find the name of this sculpture off and on for over a year now – for some reason, it came up today! Even the photographs fill me with the same sense of awe I had when I saw them for real.
It was, Nicola – the statues are larger than life, so a very impressive sight in the Minster.
Oh and one other piece of art that speaks to me – the only art I have on my office wall – a painting called ‘After Jam’ by Mark Keller. It’s a shadowy figure of a man with a guitar case walking down a cobbled street. The first time I saw it I wanted to know his story!
It’s funny, Anne, I’ve been trying to find the name of this sculpture off and on for over a year now – for some reason, it came up today! Even the photographs fill me with the same sense of awe I had when I saw them for real.
It was, Nicola – the statues are larger than life, so a very impressive sight in the Minster.
Oh and one other piece of art that speaks to me – the only art I have on my office wall – a painting called ‘After Jam’ by Mark Keller. It’s a shadowy figure of a man with a guitar case walking down a cobbled street. The first time I saw it I wanted to know his story!
It’s funny, Anne, I’ve been trying to find the name of this sculpture off and on for over a year now – for some reason, it came up today! Even the photographs fill me with the same sense of awe I had when I saw them for real.
It was, Nicola – the statues are larger than life, so a very impressive sight in the Minster.
Oh and one other piece of art that speaks to me – the only art I have on my office wall – a painting called ‘After Jam’ by Mark Keller. It’s a shadowy figure of a man with a guitar case walking down a cobbled street. The first time I saw it I wanted to know his story!
It’s funny, Anne, I’ve been trying to find the name of this sculpture off and on for over a year now – for some reason, it came up today! Even the photographs fill me with the same sense of awe I had when I saw them for real.
It was, Nicola – the statues are larger than life, so a very impressive sight in the Minster.
Oh and one other piece of art that speaks to me – the only art I have on my office wall – a painting called ‘After Jam’ by Mark Keller. It’s a shadowy figure of a man with a guitar case walking down a cobbled street. The first time I saw it I wanted to know his story!
Anna, I went looking for that painting of yours, and couldn’t find an image of it, but I found this, a montage of his paintings with music.
http://kellervision.tv/site.html#/art
Really evocative. Many of his paintings have a story in them just waiting to be told, I think
Thanks for sharing
Anna, I went looking for that painting of yours, and couldn’t find an image of it, but I found this, a montage of his paintings with music.
http://kellervision.tv/site.html#/art
Really evocative. Many of his paintings have a story in them just waiting to be told, I think
Thanks for sharing
Anna, I went looking for that painting of yours, and couldn’t find an image of it, but I found this, a montage of his paintings with music.
http://kellervision.tv/site.html#/art
Really evocative. Many of his paintings have a story in them just waiting to be told, I think
Thanks for sharing
Anna, I went looking for that painting of yours, and couldn’t find an image of it, but I found this, a montage of his paintings with music.
http://kellervision.tv/site.html#/art
Really evocative. Many of his paintings have a story in them just waiting to be told, I think
Thanks for sharing
Anna, I went looking for that painting of yours, and couldn’t find an image of it, but I found this, a montage of his paintings with music.
http://kellervision.tv/site.html#/art
Really evocative. Many of his paintings have a story in them just waiting to be told, I think
Thanks for sharing
I love Andy Goldsworthy! A close friend in Alice Springs introduced me to him so I think of her every time I see his work.
I love Andy Goldsworthy! A close friend in Alice Springs introduced me to him so I think of her every time I see his work.
I love Andy Goldsworthy! A close friend in Alice Springs introduced me to him so I think of her every time I see his work.
I love Andy Goldsworthy! A close friend in Alice Springs introduced me to him so I think of her every time I see his work.
I love Andy Goldsworthy! A close friend in Alice Springs introduced me to him so I think of her every time I see his work.
If I’m honest, I have to say that sculpture, particularly abstract stuff, doesn’t do much for me. Glance at it, take it in, move on, probably forget it.
I can, however, stare at paintings or photographs of human faces endlessly; it puts me in a meditative state. They don’t have to be famous or attractive, necessarily — just faces with character and personality.
So, yes, I am one who would rather be home with a good book 🙂 — the rhythm of the language and the images it conveys seem to suit my brain better. Lucky for me there are a lot of good books out there.
If I’m honest, I have to say that sculpture, particularly abstract stuff, doesn’t do much for me. Glance at it, take it in, move on, probably forget it.
I can, however, stare at paintings or photographs of human faces endlessly; it puts me in a meditative state. They don’t have to be famous or attractive, necessarily — just faces with character and personality.
So, yes, I am one who would rather be home with a good book 🙂 — the rhythm of the language and the images it conveys seem to suit my brain better. Lucky for me there are a lot of good books out there.
If I’m honest, I have to say that sculpture, particularly abstract stuff, doesn’t do much for me. Glance at it, take it in, move on, probably forget it.
I can, however, stare at paintings or photographs of human faces endlessly; it puts me in a meditative state. They don’t have to be famous or attractive, necessarily — just faces with character and personality.
So, yes, I am one who would rather be home with a good book 🙂 — the rhythm of the language and the images it conveys seem to suit my brain better. Lucky for me there are a lot of good books out there.
If I’m honest, I have to say that sculpture, particularly abstract stuff, doesn’t do much for me. Glance at it, take it in, move on, probably forget it.
I can, however, stare at paintings or photographs of human faces endlessly; it puts me in a meditative state. They don’t have to be famous or attractive, necessarily — just faces with character and personality.
So, yes, I am one who would rather be home with a good book 🙂 — the rhythm of the language and the images it conveys seem to suit my brain better. Lucky for me there are a lot of good books out there.
If I’m honest, I have to say that sculpture, particularly abstract stuff, doesn’t do much for me. Glance at it, take it in, move on, probably forget it.
I can, however, stare at paintings or photographs of human faces endlessly; it puts me in a meditative state. They don’t have to be famous or attractive, necessarily — just faces with character and personality.
So, yes, I am one who would rather be home with a good book 🙂 — the rhythm of the language and the images it conveys seem to suit my brain better. Lucky for me there are a lot of good books out there.
Wow. Amazing artist. Andy should enter Art Prize. We’d love him here. In the fall the streets of my hometown Grand Rapids, Michigan, fill up with art, the artists and the thousands of art lovers.
I’ve seen some stunning and compelling art pieces during ArtPrize, and Andy’s work is equal to any of them. Many of them touched me or made me think. A couple of them stopped me dead in my tracks because they were so stunning.
And of course there’s Leonardo’s horse, which is also on display at the local Fred Meijer Botanical Gardens. Amazing.
And the Calder sculpture in the City’s center that is the focal point of the annual Festival of the Arts in June.
I’m blessed to live in a community that supports the arts in all the many forms. To me, a good author is as much an artist as say Alexander Calder or Monet. They just paint their pictures with words. So I’m an art lover, who loves books.
Wow. Amazing artist. Andy should enter Art Prize. We’d love him here. In the fall the streets of my hometown Grand Rapids, Michigan, fill up with art, the artists and the thousands of art lovers.
I’ve seen some stunning and compelling art pieces during ArtPrize, and Andy’s work is equal to any of them. Many of them touched me or made me think. A couple of them stopped me dead in my tracks because they were so stunning.
And of course there’s Leonardo’s horse, which is also on display at the local Fred Meijer Botanical Gardens. Amazing.
And the Calder sculpture in the City’s center that is the focal point of the annual Festival of the Arts in June.
I’m blessed to live in a community that supports the arts in all the many forms. To me, a good author is as much an artist as say Alexander Calder or Monet. They just paint their pictures with words. So I’m an art lover, who loves books.
Wow. Amazing artist. Andy should enter Art Prize. We’d love him here. In the fall the streets of my hometown Grand Rapids, Michigan, fill up with art, the artists and the thousands of art lovers.
I’ve seen some stunning and compelling art pieces during ArtPrize, and Andy’s work is equal to any of them. Many of them touched me or made me think. A couple of them stopped me dead in my tracks because they were so stunning.
And of course there’s Leonardo’s horse, which is also on display at the local Fred Meijer Botanical Gardens. Amazing.
And the Calder sculpture in the City’s center that is the focal point of the annual Festival of the Arts in June.
I’m blessed to live in a community that supports the arts in all the many forms. To me, a good author is as much an artist as say Alexander Calder or Monet. They just paint their pictures with words. So I’m an art lover, who loves books.
Wow. Amazing artist. Andy should enter Art Prize. We’d love him here. In the fall the streets of my hometown Grand Rapids, Michigan, fill up with art, the artists and the thousands of art lovers.
I’ve seen some stunning and compelling art pieces during ArtPrize, and Andy’s work is equal to any of them. Many of them touched me or made me think. A couple of them stopped me dead in my tracks because they were so stunning.
And of course there’s Leonardo’s horse, which is also on display at the local Fred Meijer Botanical Gardens. Amazing.
And the Calder sculpture in the City’s center that is the focal point of the annual Festival of the Arts in June.
I’m blessed to live in a community that supports the arts in all the many forms. To me, a good author is as much an artist as say Alexander Calder or Monet. They just paint their pictures with words. So I’m an art lover, who loves books.
Wow. Amazing artist. Andy should enter Art Prize. We’d love him here. In the fall the streets of my hometown Grand Rapids, Michigan, fill up with art, the artists and the thousands of art lovers.
I’ve seen some stunning and compelling art pieces during ArtPrize, and Andy’s work is equal to any of them. Many of them touched me or made me think. A couple of them stopped me dead in my tracks because they were so stunning.
And of course there’s Leonardo’s horse, which is also on display at the local Fred Meijer Botanical Gardens. Amazing.
And the Calder sculpture in the City’s center that is the focal point of the annual Festival of the Arts in June.
I’m blessed to live in a community that supports the arts in all the many forms. To me, a good author is as much an artist as say Alexander Calder or Monet. They just paint their pictures with words. So I’m an art lover, who loves books.
Keziah, I think Andy Goldsworthy connects on some fundamental level with so many people. Did you know he’s done some work in the Australian outback, in the desert in scorching temperatures.
I love faces, too Janice and love looking at portraits and photo collections, as well as plain old people-watching. I have a number of photography books with some wonderful character photos.
Keziah, I think Andy Goldsworthy connects on some fundamental level with so many people. Did you know he’s done some work in the Australian outback, in the desert in scorching temperatures.
I love faces, too Janice and love looking at portraits and photo collections, as well as plain old people-watching. I have a number of photography books with some wonderful character photos.
Keziah, I think Andy Goldsworthy connects on some fundamental level with so many people. Did you know he’s done some work in the Australian outback, in the desert in scorching temperatures.
I love faces, too Janice and love looking at portraits and photo collections, as well as plain old people-watching. I have a number of photography books with some wonderful character photos.
Keziah, I think Andy Goldsworthy connects on some fundamental level with so many people. Did you know he’s done some work in the Australian outback, in the desert in scorching temperatures.
I love faces, too Janice and love looking at portraits and photo collections, as well as plain old people-watching. I have a number of photography books with some wonderful character photos.
Keziah, I think Andy Goldsworthy connects on some fundamental level with so many people. Did you know he’s done some work in the Australian outback, in the desert in scorching temperatures.
I love faces, too Janice and love looking at portraits and photo collections, as well as plain old people-watching. I have a number of photography books with some wonderful character photos.
Anna, how nice that your area has such a festival of art and artists and that your support for it is so warm and enthusiastic.
Like fiction, I respond best to art that touches me on an emotional level — I suspect most people do.
Anna, how nice that your area has such a festival of art and artists and that your support for it is so warm and enthusiastic.
Like fiction, I respond best to art that touches me on an emotional level — I suspect most people do.
Anna, how nice that your area has such a festival of art and artists and that your support for it is so warm and enthusiastic.
Like fiction, I respond best to art that touches me on an emotional level — I suspect most people do.
Anna, how nice that your area has such a festival of art and artists and that your support for it is so warm and enthusiastic.
Like fiction, I respond best to art that touches me on an emotional level — I suspect most people do.
Anna, how nice that your area has such a festival of art and artists and that your support for it is so warm and enthusiastic.
Like fiction, I respond best to art that touches me on an emotional level — I suspect most people do.
Hi all.
It’s Jenny emailing from the tiny village of Butterstone in the heart of Scotland. I’m Dougie MacLean’s wife and manager of 30 years and I’m also an artist – watercolours and organic wall designs.
I’ve been a huge fan of Andy Goldsworthy since I came across his first book It must have been around 1990. Since then I’ve pored over his books – “Andy Goldsworthy”, “Stone” and “Wood” and have derived just so much pleasure from his work – his photos, ideas, wee word descriptions and his natural yet open-ended philosophy.
Though I’ve never met Andy Goldsworthy and my own artwork is totally different in appearance,I do feel we share a similar appreciation of nature – of ‘things enduring’ as well as caught in their passing.
Thanks Anne, for reminding me of Andy’s wonderful work.
Jenny MacLean
Hi all.
It’s Jenny emailing from the tiny village of Butterstone in the heart of Scotland. I’m Dougie MacLean’s wife and manager of 30 years and I’m also an artist – watercolours and organic wall designs.
I’ve been a huge fan of Andy Goldsworthy since I came across his first book It must have been around 1990. Since then I’ve pored over his books – “Andy Goldsworthy”, “Stone” and “Wood” and have derived just so much pleasure from his work – his photos, ideas, wee word descriptions and his natural yet open-ended philosophy.
Though I’ve never met Andy Goldsworthy and my own artwork is totally different in appearance,I do feel we share a similar appreciation of nature – of ‘things enduring’ as well as caught in their passing.
Thanks Anne, for reminding me of Andy’s wonderful work.
Jenny MacLean
Hi all.
It’s Jenny emailing from the tiny village of Butterstone in the heart of Scotland. I’m Dougie MacLean’s wife and manager of 30 years and I’m also an artist – watercolours and organic wall designs.
I’ve been a huge fan of Andy Goldsworthy since I came across his first book It must have been around 1990. Since then I’ve pored over his books – “Andy Goldsworthy”, “Stone” and “Wood” and have derived just so much pleasure from his work – his photos, ideas, wee word descriptions and his natural yet open-ended philosophy.
Though I’ve never met Andy Goldsworthy and my own artwork is totally different in appearance,I do feel we share a similar appreciation of nature – of ‘things enduring’ as well as caught in their passing.
Thanks Anne, for reminding me of Andy’s wonderful work.
Jenny MacLean
Hi all.
It’s Jenny emailing from the tiny village of Butterstone in the heart of Scotland. I’m Dougie MacLean’s wife and manager of 30 years and I’m also an artist – watercolours and organic wall designs.
I’ve been a huge fan of Andy Goldsworthy since I came across his first book It must have been around 1990. Since then I’ve pored over his books – “Andy Goldsworthy”, “Stone” and “Wood” and have derived just so much pleasure from his work – his photos, ideas, wee word descriptions and his natural yet open-ended philosophy.
Though I’ve never met Andy Goldsworthy and my own artwork is totally different in appearance,I do feel we share a similar appreciation of nature – of ‘things enduring’ as well as caught in their passing.
Thanks Anne, for reminding me of Andy’s wonderful work.
Jenny MacLean
Hi all.
It’s Jenny emailing from the tiny village of Butterstone in the heart of Scotland. I’m Dougie MacLean’s wife and manager of 30 years and I’m also an artist – watercolours and organic wall designs.
I’ve been a huge fan of Andy Goldsworthy since I came across his first book It must have been around 1990. Since then I’ve pored over his books – “Andy Goldsworthy”, “Stone” and “Wood” and have derived just so much pleasure from his work – his photos, ideas, wee word descriptions and his natural yet open-ended philosophy.
Though I’ve never met Andy Goldsworthy and my own artwork is totally different in appearance,I do feel we share a similar appreciation of nature – of ‘things enduring’ as well as caught in their passing.
Thanks Anne, for reminding me of Andy’s wonderful work.
Jenny MacLean
Hi Jenny, thanks for dropping by. And congratulations to Dougie on the OBE — nice recognition for his work – and by extension, yours.
Re Andy Goldsworthy, I remember buying that first book of his called “Andy Goldsworthy” after revisiting the bookshop a number of times just to look. It was the most money I’d spent on a book ever. Every visitor to my house became absorbed in the images each time. I have his other books too, and they never lose their magic.
Hi Jenny, thanks for dropping by. And congratulations to Dougie on the OBE — nice recognition for his work – and by extension, yours.
Re Andy Goldsworthy, I remember buying that first book of his called “Andy Goldsworthy” after revisiting the bookshop a number of times just to look. It was the most money I’d spent on a book ever. Every visitor to my house became absorbed in the images each time. I have his other books too, and they never lose their magic.
Hi Jenny, thanks for dropping by. And congratulations to Dougie on the OBE — nice recognition for his work – and by extension, yours.
Re Andy Goldsworthy, I remember buying that first book of his called “Andy Goldsworthy” after revisiting the bookshop a number of times just to look. It was the most money I’d spent on a book ever. Every visitor to my house became absorbed in the images each time. I have his other books too, and they never lose their magic.
Hi Jenny, thanks for dropping by. And congratulations to Dougie on the OBE — nice recognition for his work – and by extension, yours.
Re Andy Goldsworthy, I remember buying that first book of his called “Andy Goldsworthy” after revisiting the bookshop a number of times just to look. It was the most money I’d spent on a book ever. Every visitor to my house became absorbed in the images each time. I have his other books too, and they never lose their magic.
Hi Jenny, thanks for dropping by. And congratulations to Dougie on the OBE — nice recognition for his work – and by extension, yours.
Re Andy Goldsworthy, I remember buying that first book of his called “Andy Goldsworthy” after revisiting the bookshop a number of times just to look. It was the most money I’d spent on a book ever. Every visitor to my house became absorbed in the images each time. I have his other books too, and they never lose their magic.
And if you ever happen to visit Des Moines, Iowa, we have a Goldsworthy cairn here too.
http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/iowa/desmoines/goldsworthy/goldsworthy.html
And if you ever happen to visit Des Moines, Iowa, we have a Goldsworthy cairn here too.
http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/iowa/desmoines/goldsworthy/goldsworthy.html
And if you ever happen to visit Des Moines, Iowa, we have a Goldsworthy cairn here too.
http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/iowa/desmoines/goldsworthy/goldsworthy.html
And if you ever happen to visit Des Moines, Iowa, we have a Goldsworthy cairn here too.
http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/iowa/desmoines/goldsworthy/goldsworthy.html
And if you ever happen to visit Des Moines, Iowa, we have a Goldsworthy cairn here too.
http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/iowa/desmoines/goldsworthy/goldsworthy.html
Oh, I’ll do that. I have a good friend in Dubuque who I’ll visit one day.
Oh, I’ll do that. I have a good friend in Dubuque who I’ll visit one day.
Oh, I’ll do that. I have a good friend in Dubuque who I’ll visit one day.
Oh, I’ll do that. I have a good friend in Dubuque who I’ll visit one day.
Oh, I’ll do that. I have a good friend in Dubuque who I’ll visit one day.