Forest, Field & Sky: Art Out of Nature

Forest, Field & Sky: Art Out of Nature takes viewers on a captivating journey through six distinct British landscapes, showcasing the intricate relationship between art, nature, and human creativity. Presented by Dr. James Fox, it offers a unique perspective on how artists have interacted with and transformed the natural world, creating awe-inspiring works that challenge our perception of landscape and art.

The documentary begins by introducing viewers to the concept of landscape art, where artists carefully arrange elements of the natural world to create thought-provoking pieces. One of the most striking examples featured is David Nash’s Ash Dome, a living sculpture hidden near Snowdonia. Planted in 1977, this circular arrangement of twenty-two ash trees has grown over four decades to form a mesmerizing dome of leaves and branches, serving as a testament to the artist’s vision and nature’s own creative forces.

As the film progresses, viewers are treated to a diverse array of artistic expressions that blur the line between human intervention and natural processes. Andy Goldsworthy’s stone sculptures are showcased, demonstrating how simple materials found in nature can be transformed into intricate and ephemeral works of art. These pieces not only highlight the artist’s skill but also emphasize the transient nature of art created in and from the environment.

The documentary also features the work of Julie Brook, who creates remarkable fire stacks on the Scottish coast. These stone columns, built at low tide and filled with flammable materials, are set ablaze as the tide rises, creating a mesmerizing interplay of fire, water, and light. Brook’s work exemplifies the harmony that can be achieved between natural elements and human creativity, resulting in fleeting moments of breathtaking beauty.

Forest, Field & Sky: Art Out of Nature further explores the concept of landscape manipulation through the lens of historical garden design. The film draws parallels between the idealized landscapes depicted in 18th-century paintings and the grand gardens of estates like Stourhead in Somerset. These carefully crafted environments demonstrate how wealthy landowners sought to reshape nature according to artistic ideals, creating picturesque vistas that continue to captivate visitors today.

The documentary culminates with a visit to James Turrell’s extraordinary sky spaces, which offer a contemplative experience that frames the ever-changing sky as a work of art. Dr. Fox spends hours observing the shifting colors and patterns of the sky through Turrell’s carefully designed architectural spaces, highlighting how these installations encourage viewers to see the familiar in entirely new ways.