A common man marvels at uncommon things. A wise man marvels at the commonplace. CONFUCIUS

Friday 23 April 2010

I Walk, Therefore I Am

My work has become a simple metaphor for life. A figure walking down his road, making his mark. I am content with the vocabulary of universal and common means; walking, placing, stones, sticks, water, circles, lines, days, nights, roads. RICHARD LONG

My work really is just about being a human being living on this planet and using nature as its source. I enjoy the simple pleasures of ... eating, dreaming, happenstance, of passing through the land and sometimes leaving (memorable) traces along the way, of finding a new campsite each night. And then moving on. RICHARD LONG

What has evolved is a project that goes beyond art as an object to be looked at, to something that is a part of a landscape to be lived in. ANDY GOLDSWORTHY (Talking of his 16 year old, ongoing project of creating artworks in the Haute Provence landscape near Digne-les-Bains)

I think, therefore I am. DESCARTES

I walk, therefore I am. PIERRE GASSENDI

5 comments:

George said...

These are stirring, moving quotes, SW. I want to learn more about Richard Long and have checked out the books by him or about him on Amazon. There appear to be five or six. Could you post a note for me recommending a good overview of his philosopy and works? It would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Grizz………… said...

Life reduced to its most rudimentary equation…"I am."

gleaner said...

I like the ideas in these quotes.

The Solitary Walker said...

George - I can't really, as I haven't any books by or about him myself. My 1st quote comes from a 'Guardian' article by the outstanding landscape writer Robert Macfarlane, and the 2nd is part of an explanatory text by Long which stands next to one of his gallery photographs.

George said...

No problem, SW. I'm going to take my best shot through Amazon, and will let you know if I like my choice. Thanks again for bringing Richard Long to my attention.