Andy Goldsworthy Lesson

I love to introduce my students to new artists and Andy Goldsworthy is one of the most exciting. He is British and works entirely with natural objects out in nature. I begin with this video called Rivers and Tides, it shows how Andy makes his sculptures. They are striking and so visual. The students will also do a following activity, such as write down three words that describe Andy's work, or write Andy a question. You can also observe some of his work on his website. 

 

While on vacation in New Hampshire this summer, I thought about Andy Goldsworthy and how to incorporate a lesson with natural objects like he does. I thought about how his work is not permanent. This is something that traditional schools never really do. I wanted my students to create something but just have it be for "in the moment" and then its gone. 

So, I came up with this group activity / lesson. The teacher gathers natural materials to bring into the class. The teacher then lays these materials out on the tables and has a group of students work together to make an artistic creation. This lesson can be extended with a gallery walk and talk about other team's work as well as a written reflection about their created piece. 

 

 

I would start by showing the students the video of Andy Goldsworthy and his work as well as some of these visuals that I took images of in New Hampshire. Talk with the students about textures and symmetry. View many kinds of plants, rocks, leaves, etc. Then let the students touch the items and together as a team build something beautiful!