A couple of months ago an extremely important event, possibly sacred even, occurred in my life. I made this crude post (
LINK) about a few of the living (or not long dead) artists that create the kind of art that stirs unquantifiable levels of optimism inside of me. I don't understand it and probably never will. Maybe that's the point. When you can see all sides of an object then there is nothing left to generate wonder, so you walk away. The object doesn't seem so big anymore. You move on. The event that took place made me stand still... and I have not moved one inch since. I'm transfixed beyond words. That rarely happens, thank God.
Emmet (
LINK) commented on the post with a suggestion that I investigate the work of one Andy Goldworthy (
LINK). Emmet's tips are typically the stuff of legend and this one didn't fall short of the mark. What makes the story interesting (to me anyway, not sure about you) is that many weeks later while in Waupaca for the weekend at Fran and Marci's I found myself bored, I think. The kids had gone to bed, everyone else was out. I was tired. I had worked a full day back in the Twin Cities then drove four and a half hours (
LINK) from work straight to Waupaca. Working my way through a cold six pack and sitting with the dogs on the couch a DVD on the shelf caught my gaze. An Andy Goldsworthy DVD, Rivers and Tides (
LINK) was tucked between all the other DVD's. I put down me beer and slapped it on.
I would only embarrass myself if I tried to further explain what this has all meant to me. Words are too limiting. I can't put the right ones together to create a meaningful whole.
Goldsworthy's divorce from his wife and the breakup of his family (he has four young kids) temporarily soured the art for me. I love my wife and kids so much and would have no idea what to do if ever we became divided. It saddens me to see unhappiness visit anyones door but his family situation is not my business so I have no reason to judge. It was interesting to hear him say on the Rivers and Tides DVD that he enjoyed being alone and then to see him (on same DVD) at his kitchen table oblivious to the kids and pets that were milling around him in a scene of domestic normality. He wore the appearance of an man loosing touch with the mortal world.
Perhaps he just couldn't supply the energy and commitment needed to play a role as a family member. Creating immortal art cannot be easy.
I'm very glad that you got something out of the recommendation. I'm in the same boat as regards not being able to exactly define why I love his work, but I think it's one of those things that you could destroy by picking it apart. Appreciate the fact that it creates some feeling of connection within you if it does, and enjoy it. And learn something from it if you can.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that your take on his personal situation was so different to mine, but maybe not surprising given your different experience in being a family. I actually didn't know anything about his personal problems until now, and to be honest when I saw his home situation in Rivers and Tides I actually thought it seemed quite idyllic -- very relaxed, no mugging for the camera, and quite happy. But obviously you picked up on something I didn't, and sadly it seems you were correct.
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ReplyDeleteWhat a leg-end. It is important to appreciate the creation/art work for something separate to it's maker. The maker and all things attached to the maker should not be a deciding or judging factor in a piece of visual art.
ReplyDeleteI do see Goldsworthy as a man who is detached from society, a man who is connected to some other driving force. I believe he experiences life and natural things in a way in which he probably does not share with others. Because of this he seems like an isolated person and seems happy to be so. I had noticed that he is clearly vacant to his family in this kitchen scene of Rivers and Tides that you mention.
I found this scene, in which the director domesticates the artist, is unnecessary and unrelated to the content. Although I did take something with me from it - I found myself relieved to find that the man has a sense of humor. As he leaves the house to begin work for the day his wife asks him "What are you going to make Andy?"... and in a comic voice he replies his classic one liner which I'm sure he has said over a million times to critics and writers... "I work intuitively..."