If we commissioned Andy Goldsworthy to come to Elk Rapids Michigan to do an installation, I wonder what he’d create? I’ll probably never know, but meanwhile, here’s what the Environmental Art Class, inspired by Goldsworthy, did yesterday on the shore of Grand Traverse Bay. They’re still exploring, still learning. They have three weeks left, and they’re about ready to plan and execute their final installation. This slideshow is from Babs Young.
Babs and Katherine and I rode down together, which made for an interesting afternoon. We observed that the makeup of the class has changed, with the boys fading away and more girls joining. We observed that kids can run around on the beach in shorts and flipflops the minute it gets sunny. We all learned just how much material it takes to fill in a large outline. Good to know as the class approaches the Final Installation. Stay tuned.
Torch Lake Views 
Lauren
May 5, 2011
What a gorgeous day you had! Chuckling at “we all learned just how much material it takes to fill in a large outline.” I’ll bet!
Gerry
May 5, 2011
You should have seen ’em shoveling zebra mussels off the beach and into screens to sift out the sand, then into the little red wagon . . . only to discover that all that labor was just enough to fill the center circle! Who knew that art wasn’t all inspiration and starlight?
P.j. grath
May 5, 2011
A story in pictures–good way to start the day. I wonder about that boy-girl business. If you asked, would they tell you?
Gerry
May 5, 2011
Dunno. Maybe I’ll find out next week!
Scott Thomas Photography
May 5, 2011
Looking forward to their final work. I am amazed at the weather. Maybe Spring is finally here, eh?
Gerry
May 5, 2011
Maybe. It wasn’t as warm as it looks, though. Babs and Katherine and I were all wearing fleece and wool socks.
Jerry
May 5, 2011
Gerry — It’s a fascinating question, and a fascinating artist. Ever since Royce Ragland of Elk Rapids introduced me to his work (and cajoled me into discussing him in public — yikes) I’ve been thinking about why he elicits such a gut reaction. Could it be because he’s all about ENTRY into nature? His ephemeral work reminds us that we and the world itself are temporary — and his more enduring work is all about arches, pathways, doors, and other entrances. Anyone else notice that?
Gerry
May 5, 2011
He is fascinating, and I think it’s because he allows himself to be completely vulnerable. Are we and the world temporary, or are we all just . . . energy, passing from one form into another? Yes to arches and doors and spiral paths also to eggs and frames. Well, I think they’re eggs anyway. His sentries. I half suspect he doesn’t always know himself why he does what he does. I am quite sure that there is something going on under the surface with the kids in this project–and, um, with the adults as well.
Dawn
May 5, 2011
Verrrrry interesting! Can’t wait to see the final project. PS: I’ve almost finished the 1000 mile walk around Lake Michigan book (took it with me to DC)..and I found YOU around page 100! How cool to be in a BOOK! 🙂
Gerry
May 6, 2011
The Cowboy has been giving himself airs over it. He believes there should be a book signing at Chris and Sonny’s this summer so that he can add his pawprint.
Dawn
May 6, 2011
I think that’s a great idea!
Gerry
May 6, 2011
That’s right, encourage the little miscreant. Next thing you know he’ll be running for office.
isathreadsoflife
May 10, 2011
Oh, my comment just disappeared 😦 I was saying what a great artwork they did and how much time the central part must have taken ! I look forward to seeing it completed. What are those tall trees at the edge of the beach ? A kind of pine trees ?
Gerry
May 10, 2011
I hate Vanishing Comments. I suppose there’s a certain symmetry to them as applied to posts about ephemeral art projects. Thank you for the extra effort.
The final project will be something else somewhere else, but each experiment is part of the process, and we are all learning things. Very absorbing.
Yes, those are nice white pines fringing the beach. They are quite a feature of our landscape.
Joss
May 16, 2011
This is all very interesting. I watched a film about Andy Goldsworthy a few days ago, and bought one of his books. I have space in my garden that I’ve been thinking of filling with some art for quite some time. I didn’t think I’d need to go on a course to make anything though. My son, however, warned me straight away that I didn’t know what I was doing and didn’t know any techniques. I think the first thing to do is start collecting stuff.
Gerry
May 16, 2011
I don’t think anyone has to go on a course to make art. In fact, better we should go entirely off the beaten path. I think the best way to approach this is to sit quietly in the middle of your garden, sipping a nice cool beverage, allowing the peace of nature to seep into your heart. It will come to you eventually, exactly what you might do in that particular space. You will figure out the techniques as you go along. (I think assembling the materials is an excellent place to begin. I have some nice chestnut burrs I could send you.)