David Nash

by David Nash, Norbert Lynton (Introduction)

For more than forty years, David Nash has profoundly influenced a generation of artists, led by Andy Goldsworthy, with his groundbreaking sculpture, almost exclusively in wood. Working from a deep and ever-growing knowledge of trees, Nash was a pioneer in the aesthetics of “coming,” or growing works, and “going,” or works that are made with the intention that over time they will merge again with nature.

 

This lavishly illustrated book features a substantial biographical and critical introduction by the distinguished art historian and critic Norbert Lynton, who knew and championed the sculptor’s work from the late 1960s. The artist’s own extensive statements provide a unique insight into both his working methods and the thought processes provoked by this extraordinary collaboration with trees. 

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

168 pages, Hardcover

First published September 3, 2007

Reviews

[Hannes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Het is een goed overzicht van Nash zijn oeuvre, maar wel een beetje dubbel. Ik was erg onder de indruk van specifieke werken zoals 'wooden boulder', 'black dome' en zijn 'stove- series'. Maar andere werken vond ik dan weer zeer matig. Desondanks zeker de moeite waard, een van de weinige kunstenaars die de materiële mogelijkheden van hout zo onder de loep nam.

[Amy Paget · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came upon the work of British Sculptor, David Nash, in a circuitous way. I subscribe to an email art alert service called ArtFinder which brings much of British modernism my way. I use it as a way to learn about artists. Interestingly enough, the artists' work that attracts me the most is quite often that of sculptors who also work in paper. Such is wood sculptor, David Nash. Nash, who lives in northwest Wales sculpts exclusively in 'found wood' around the world. He does not cut down trees, rather relies on nature to identify and fell his raw materials. His work is amazing so I was delighted to read David Nash (TCPL Call Number 730.92 N248D 2007) published by Abrams New York with a fine introduction by Norbert Lynton. This 170-page full color art book relates Nash's career to date with much of the text written by Nash himself. You get real insights into the artist's process and can explore his metamorphosis from solo artist to collaborator. The pictures often tell the story of the wood from 'found item' to finished work of art. Many are site specific, so it's great to see them in situ in this fabulously illustrated book. Not sure about exploring Nash's work? Try dipping into the various Youtube videos, especially the 57-minute "David Nash: discovering Heartwood" that captures his artist's residency in North Carolina.. And then, don't forget to check out this book!