Meaning: The quote you provided is from the renowned environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy. Goldsworthy is known for creating site-specific sculptures and land art using natural materials such as leaves, stones, ice, and branches. His work often explores the relationship between nature, time, and the human touch. The quote you've shared seems to reference his observations about the transformative qualities of liquid stones and the enduring nature of the skin or surface of molten stone.

In this quote, Goldsworthy appears to be reflecting on the properties of liquid stones, likely molten lava from a volcanic eruption or other geological processes. He notes that the "hardened mass of liquid stones" possessed stronger qualities than those that had simply torn. This observation suggests that the process of transformation from liquid to solid conferred additional strength or resilience to the stones, as compared to those that had been torn or fragmented in some way.

Goldsworthy's use of the term "liquid stones" is particularly evocative. It highlights the paradoxical nature of molten rock, which possesses the fluidity of a liquid while retaining the essence of stone. This duality speaks to the dynamic and transformative processes that occur in nature, where seemingly solid and unyielding materials can undergo dramatic changes.

The artist's mention of the skin remaining a recognizable part of the molten stone adds another layer of meaning to the quote. It suggests that even in the midst of intense heat and transformation, there are elements that endure and retain their identity. The idea of the "skin" of the molten stone evokes a sense of preservation and continuity amid change, emphasizing the resilience and enduring nature of the material.

Goldsworthy's observations in this quote can be interpreted in a broader context beyond the physical properties of stones. They can be seen as a metaphor for the human experience and the resilience of the human spirit. Just as the liquid stones undergo a transformative process and emerge with enhanced strength, individuals can also navigate challenges and adversities, emerging with newfound resilience and fortitude.

In his art, Goldsworthy often explores themes of impermanence and the passage of time. By working with natural materials that are subject to decay and change, he invites viewers to contemplate the fleeting nature of existence and the cyclical processes of growth and decay in the natural world. The quote you provided aligns with these themes, highlighting the transformative qualities of natural materials and the enduring aspects that persist despite change.

Overall, Andy Goldsworthy's quote about the hardened mass of liquid stones offers a thought-provoking reflection on the transformative qualities of natural materials and the enduring nature of elements in the face of change. It invites contemplation of resilience, transformation, and the interplay between permanence and impermanence in the natural world.