What is the key goal of an Earthwork artist?

The key goal of an Earthwork artist revolves around engaging with nature and landscape. This art form, often referred to as land art or earth art, emphasizes the relationship between art and the natural environment. Earthwork artists create large-scale installations that are integrated into the landscape itself, using materials found in nature, such as soil, rocks, and vegetation, rather than traditional art supplies. The intention is to provoke a deeper awareness or appreciation of the natural world, creating art that is often site-specific and may change over time due to natural processes like erosion or growth.

By focusing on the landscapes and surroundings, Earthwork artists invite viewers to reconsider their relationship with nature, encouraging reflection on ecological issues and the passage of time. This goal stands in contrast to more conventional forms of art that might seek to produce isolated, small, or purely aesthetic works, or work that is heavily dependent on human-made materials. In essence, the heart of Earthwork art lies in creating a dialogue between art and the environment, fostering a sense of connection with the earth itself.