Meaning: This quote by Andy Goldsworthy, a renowned environmental artist, speaks to the unique relationship between his art and the public space. Goldsworthy is known for creating site-specific sculptures and installations using natural materials such as leaves, stones, ice, and branches. His work often interacts with the environment in a way that is both ephemeral and enduring, and the presence of people is sometimes necessary for the full realization of his artistic vision.

When Goldsworthy states, "I am not a performer but occasionally I deliberately work in a public context," he is drawing a distinction between traditional performance art and his own artistic practice. While performance art often involves the artist's physical presence and direct interaction with the audience, Goldsworthy's approach is more focused on the creation of objects and installations that exist within the public sphere. His work is not about his own performance, but rather about the way it interacts with and is shaped by the environment and the people who encounter it.

Goldsworthy's statement also highlights the intentional nature of his decision to engage with public spaces. While some artists may create work primarily for gallery or museum settings, Goldsworthy sees the public context as an integral part of certain sculptures. He recognizes that the movement and presence of people can add another dimension to his art, transforming static objects into dynamic, evolving experiences.

The idea that "some sculptures need the movement of people around them to work" speaks to Goldsworthy's deep understanding of how his art functions within its environment. Many of his pieces are designed to change over time, responding to natural processes such as erosion, growth, or decay. In these cases, the presence and actions of people can contribute to the artwork's evolution. For example, a sculpture made of leaves might shift and change as people walk around it, creating new patterns and arrangements that are an integral part of the artwork's beauty.

Goldsworthy's approach to public art challenges traditional notions of permanence and authorship. By creating pieces that are inherently tied to the natural world and the movements of people within it, he invites viewers to consider their own role in the artistic process. His sculptures are not static, isolated objects but rather dynamic elements within a larger ecosystem of human and natural activity.

In addition to the physical presence of people, Goldsworthy's work in public spaces can also prompt contemplation and interaction on an emotional or intellectual level. By integrating his sculptures into public environments, he invites viewers to consider their surroundings in new ways, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world and the art within it. This aspect of his work speaks to the power of art to transform our perception of the spaces we inhabit, encouraging us to engage with our surroundings more thoughtfully and creatively.

Overall, Andy Goldsworthy's quote encapsulates the essence of his approach to creating art in public contexts. It reflects his deep understanding of the relationship between his sculptures, the natural world, and the people who encounter them. By acknowledging the importance of movement and interaction in the realization of his work, Goldsworthy invites us to consider the ways in which art can enrich and enliven our shared spaces.