Ephemeral

Ephemeral is a beautiful word often used to describe nature-based art. Ephemeral things embody a perpetual state of physical transformation, and the sculptures in the garden definitely meet this definition. In fact, people and nature are the same in that both are constantly changing. Uniting natural elements with artistic vision pushes the boundaries of what art is and how we perceive ourselves. British sculptor Andy Goldsworthy said, “I think it’s incredibly brave to be working with flowers and leaves and petals. But I have to: I can’t edit the materials I work with. My remit is to work with nature as a whole.” This incredible artist produces site-specific sculpture and land art situated in natural and urban settings, and I recommend exploring his work on this website:  http://www.sculpture.org.uk/AndyGoldsworthy/.  His quote captures how nature-based art can challenge viewpoints we didn’t even know we had. Even if it lasts only briefly, if it stirs your emotions or provokes you into examining your attitudes, art has served a constructive purpose.

As this year draws to an end, winter brings an added touch of ephemeral to the garden. When the temperature drops during the night, frost and ice add spectacular ornamentation to even the smallest blade of grass. These creations are short-lived, however, and melt away in the sun. still, it offers another perspective of the beauty that is the garden and symbolizes the essence of the sculptures. Hopefully, the nature-based sculptures will be around for a long time to be enjoyed by many more viewers, but the exhibit now at the visitor’s center captures the spirit of the program permanently. Things change but they also stay the same, and exciting improvements embracing the fundamental aspect of the works of art will continue to be made in the garden. Check out the exhibit and the sculptures, and then visit them again. Judging by what we know of nature, chances are something will have changed.