Artist Andy Goldsworthy’s Brother Suffered the Death of His Beloved Wife

Andy Goldsworthy
(Credit: Stuartshieldgardendesign.wordpress.com)

Andy Goldsworthy is one of the most beloved artists, sculptors and photographers of our day. Based in Scotland, he creates art out of natural materials, which reflect nature’s creation followed by dissolution. For those of you unfamiliar with Andy Goldsworthy, he makes his art in outdoor landscapes, creating the most beautifully compelling shapes and forms. Often he creates a temporary piece, photographs it and then leaves it in place to allow nature to naturally melt, blow or rain it away. He has permanent outdoor installations at many major museums around the world. His art is also referred to as land art. What those familiar with him may not know is how a death added voids to his work.

Credit: Stuartshieldgardendesign.wordpress.com

When Andy’s brother suffered the death of his beloved wife, the experience of the loss greatly impacted Andy. Through the pain, he saw the hole in a tree as a void of the unknown, of a hole in the fabric of both his and his brother’s lives. This idea of a hole in the vastness of life became a reoccurring theme that Andy continues to explore in his art. Here are some of the pieces he has created based on inspiration through sorrow, loss and a life no more. He creates dwarfing metaphors like no other.

Credit: Stuartshieldgardendesign.wordpress.com

Credit: Stuartshieldgardendesign.wordpress.com

Andy Goldsworthy says he is not afraid of death. His work is one of a strong connection with nature and the impermanence of our natural world. Through his work, he lives for the moment charged with inspiration by any emotion.

Credit: Visualmelt.com

If you are inspired by his work, as many are, you may be interested in watching his film, Rivers and Tides, that follows him as he creates some of his on-site art pieces. It often shows at local theaters, or you can rent it. Here is the trailer for a sampler.