Andy Goldsworthy

Different problems occur when looking at the shamanic nature of the work done by Andy Goldsworthy. He is quite a reclusive figure and seems to prefer to let his art speak for itself. What he does say is focused on the art, its possible meaning, attributes and implications. I have found little biographical detail, and since this appears to be his own choice, I will not place him in the context of a personal life. Instead he must remain as a Zen-like point of existence, concerned only as an integral part of the art he creates.
It also must be noted that much of his art is received second hand, through his photographic record, it being created in situ, within a landscape. His exhibition work, while still valid, loses something being placed out of context in a gallery.
Several themes emerge from his work, being mostly very simple concepts but explored through great variety and creativity. They do match up closely however with the abstract primitive forms found in the Neolithic cave art, our first clue of the shamanic nature of his art. Let us explore these themes and what he shows us of them, beginning with the simplest form of all.

 

Icicles, thick ends dipped in snow then water,
held until frozen until stuck
SCAUR WATER, DUMFRIESSHIRE. 12th JANUARY 1987