Rivers and Tides

Rivers and Tides is a stunning 2001 documentary feature located at the crossroads of environmental fascination and artistic expression. Directed by Thomas Riedelsheimer, it shines a spotlight on the life and work of British artist and environmentalist Andy Goldsworthy. This unique immersion into Goldsworthy's life also features appearances by his family members - Anna Goldsworthy and Holly Goldsworthy, providing a deeper insight into his personal life and the nuances of his artistic practice.

Goldsworthy has an unconventional approach to art, in which he creates beautiful temporary sculptures using naturally available materials such as rocks, leaves, ice, and small twigs. His approach to sculpturing prominently features his interactions with nature and how he uses the concept of temporality as a major characteristic of his creations. Rivers and Tides adds a spectacular visual dimension to his artistry, magnifying the captivating essence of Goldsworthy's installations, which are profoundly influenced by the impact of the natural elements on his pieces.

What sets this film apart is its commitment to illustrating Goldsworthy’s process in creating his ephemeral masterpieces. We watch him as he patiently and meticulously assembles his pieces, often prone to the whims of the elements. There are moments of profound frustration when a sculpture, built over hours, unexpectedly collapses. But these moments are balanced out by scenes of triumph when a piece comes together just as he envisioned.

Throughout the movie, Goldsworthy enriches our understanding of his work with a running dialogue about his life and ideas. His commentary could be as simple as explaining why he chose a particular pile of rocks or as profound as musing on the impermanence of life. This rich narrative gives his art a new depth, transforming them from simple installations to symbolic reflections of the world around him.

Riedelsheimer's stellar cinematography highlights the symbiotic relationship between the artist and the environment. Capturing Goldsworthy working in different natural terrains and weather conditions, the film offers viewers moments to appreciate the beauty of Nature itself. From the vibrant hillsides of Scotland to the icy landscapes of Nova Scotia, Rivers and Tides doubles as a compelling tribute to the Earth’s diverse geography.

The director, Thomas Riedelsheimer, clearly sets aside the conventional methodologies of documentary-making. He refrains from analyzing Goldsworthy's art to steer clear of the usual expert opinions and criticisms. Instead, he focuses on exhibiting Goldsworthy's processes of creating art, the purities of his intentions, the simplicity yet complexity of his thoughts, and how they all transcend into his creations. This style of storytelling adds an intimate layer to the film, making viewers feel like privileged onlookers within Goldsworthy’s creative world.

Rivers and Tides is more than just a conventional documentary about an artist's life. It manages to construct a beautiful visual parallel between the growing and decaying natural elements and the artist's own ephemeral masterpieces. It succeeds in portraying an organic connection between the artist and his environment, unwinding a deep sense of respect and admiration for nature.

As the title suggests, there is an underlying theme of nature's fluidity and transition present in the movie. The 'Rivers' signify life's constant motion and change, while the 'Tides' symbolize the transient dance between creation and destruction. This theme is central to Goldsworthy's philosophy of art. As the landscapes and weather shift like moods around him, influencing and impacting his work, the film subtly reminds us that we are all subject to the same rules of change and impermanence.

Rivers and Tides is a soul-soothing visual feast that invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with nature and the beautiful expanse of the natural world. It's an exploration of the visual magic that comes from the collaboration between human imagination and the free will of natural elements – a compelling watch for art enthusiasts, environmentalists, and anyone who enjoys thought-provoking content. The film is a true testament to the power of patience, tenacity, and the beauty of ephemerality in art and life. It triumphs in making the familiar seem new and the ordinary extraordinary, all while compelling us to engage with the world around us deeply. After all, as Goldsworthy himself encapsulates, "We often forget that we’re Nature."