The Presidio-Andy Goldsworthy

The Presidio
Near the Arguello Gate Entry

I have always been a fan of Andy Goldsworthy.  I love the ethereal and temporary aspect of his work.  This is titled Spire and is at the beginning of the Bay Area Ridge Trail near the Arguello Gate, west of Inspiration Point Overlook and north of the Presidio Golf Course Clubhouse.

This area is part of the historic forest of the Presidio, and is part of its designation as a National Historic Landmark District.  The forest was planted over 100 years ago and, as usual, the Eucalyptus are doing just fine but the pines and cypress are declining.  This particular grove is predominantly cypress, so the Trust removed 150 dying trees and is planting approximately 1200 over the next 10 years.    I have to assume that Goldsworthy used these dead trees to build the Spire.  The interesting thing I find is that since it was a military base 100 years ago the trees were planted in orderly military alignment.  The Trust is keeping true to this.

The New York Times did an article on Andy Goldsworthy while he was creating this piece, it is excellent in its covering of the artist’s concept and plans for the site and the sculpture.