andy goldsworhy

1. What might be the appeal of working with all natural/alternative materials in your artwork? What would some advantages/disadvantages be?

Using natural or alternative materialsis advantageous because it ensures that all audiences will be able to connect with it on some level. Goldsworthy's art is a great example of this because every has experienced some part of the natural materials he uses and therefore can connect with his art on some level. One large disadvantage is the fact that natural/alternative materials may not be as substantial as conventional materials. This is evident particularly evident in Goldsworthy's work. His use of natural materials such as icicles may contribute to beautiful art, but that art will melt and cease to exist at an absurdly fast rate, dramatically decreasing the audience he will reach. It may appeal to artists because of its challenge- many modern day materials are much more malleable and can be used utilized more easily to fit the artist's vision.

2. What is the point of working on art that will disappear with the elements (wash away with the rain or tides, melt in the warm weather, etc.) ?

It seems that Goldsworthy chooses to work with disappearing art because he wants bring out the environment itself, and part of those environments is their disspearing, constantly changing nature. However, I am not entirely sure what the point of working with such art is. Perhaps this is just a matter of personal opinion, but I think a large portion of the creation of art is its preservation. Something along the whole "if no one sees something- art, in this case-, does it actually exist?" idea.

3. What is your interpretation of Andy Goldsworthy's work - do you like it? What do you think he is trying to say or accomplish with this?

I like Andy Goldsworthy's work, but I also find it a bit odd. I'm not entirely sure what would first inspire you to create such art, but the message Goldsworthy's art conveys about the beauty of nature and how man can add to it is a beautiful and inspiring one. I think Goldsworthy is trying to get people to appreciate nature and understand just how much beauty is present in it.