Watch Rivers and Tides

Rivers and Tides is an hour and a half long documentary from 2001, directed by Thomas Riedelsheimer, that follows the renowned Scottish artist, Andy Goldsworthy, as he creates stunning and ephemeral works of art in both natural and urban environments. Goldsworthy, known for his site-specific installations that rely solely on materials found on location, creates his pieces with an incredible mixture of patience, ingenuity, and grace, seamlessly blending the natural and the man-made.

Throughout the film, Goldsworthy is seen working in various outdoor locations, including Scotland, Nova Scotia, France, and New England. Using materials like ice, leaves, stones, and sticks, he creates works ranging from simple stacked stones to complex, woven sculptures that are both beautiful and thought-provoking. One such work is a giant icicle made by pouring water over a tree branch and letting it slowly freeze as the temperature drops. Similarly, another work involves arranging thousands of oak leaves in concentric circles that spiral out from a central point, creating a whorling, almost hypnotic effect.

While most of the art is temporary, the film provides a glimpse into how these works of art are created: the long hours of preparation, the experiments with different materials, and the many failed attempts that occasionally lead to unexpected, serendipitous works. Goldsworthy's process is shown in great detail, from collecting materials and examining them for their artistic potential, to struggling with the elements and wrestling with his own creative impulses.

The film also provides a glimpse into Goldsworthy's personal life, including his relationship with his wife, Anna, who is briefly seen helping him with one of his installations. There are also scenes featuring their children, who are shown playing and getting involved in their father's projects. These moments provide a personal touch to the film, and offer a glimpse into Goldsworthy's human side.

Rivers and Tides is not just a film about art, however. It is a meditation on nature, impermanence, and the passage of time. The film's title comes from Goldsworthy's reflection on how the materials he uses are all subject to the forces of nature: rivers flowing, tides rising and receding. He sees his work as a collaboration with the natural world, and speaks eloquently about the relationship between his art and the environment. The film also captures the changing seasons and the beauty of the natural world, adding to the ephemeral, almost dream-like feel of the work.

The film's visuals and sound are both stunning, and capture the beauty of Goldsworthy's work perfectly. The camera lingers on each of Goldsworthy's pieces, focusing on every detail and angle, and the musical score, featuring contemporary classical compositions by Fred Frith and Evelyn Glennie, serves as a perfect accompaniment to the visuals. Overall, the film is a beautiful, meditative experience, one that will inspire and awe audiences with the inherent beauty and fragility of nature.

In conclusion, Rivers and Tides is a must-see film for anyone interested in contemporary art, nature, or simply the beauty of the ephemeral. Through stunning visuals and insightful commentary, the film captures the essence of Goldsworthy's work, and provides a glimpse into the mind of one of the world's most innovative artists. Whether you're an art lover or simply someone looking for a relaxing and thought-provoking film, Rivers and Tides is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Rivers and Tides is a 2003 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 82.