Art of the Forest; Andy Goldsworthy and Peter Erlich at The Presidio
Movement, change, light growth and decay are the lifeblood of nature, the energies that I try to tap through my work. I need the shock of touch, the resistance of place, materials and weather, the earth as my source. I want to get under the surface. When I work with a leaf, rock, stick, it is not just that material itself, it is an opening into the processes of life within and around it. When I leave it, these processes continue.
-Andy Goldsworthy, Sculptor, “The Spire”
The forests of the Presidio are all planted by man and as such they are a cultural landscape: an artifact, naturalistic more than natural; the forest and The Spire re-iterate similar themes and re-enforce the other.
-Peter Erlich, Forestry Manager, The Presidio Trust
A towering new sculpture has been completed in San Francisco and is soon to be open to the public. Located on the highest ridge of the Presidio National Park and surrrounded by century old and recently planted Monterey cypress trees, “The Spire” is the most recent work by the British artist, Andy Goldsworthy. Known for his site specific works using natural, found materials such as rock, branches and snow, Goldsworthy created the 100 foot tall structure from the mature cypress trees on the site, felled at the end of their life span.
Last weekend I enjoyed a tour of the site and forest from Peter Erlich, forestry manager for The Presidio Trust. I came initially to see the work by Goldsworthy, but in the end I became facinated by the history of the Presidio forest, its geology and challenges so enthusiastically shared by Erlich. Growing up near Manhattan, Erlich felt more at home along the Hudson River than he did among the skyscapers of that city. In 1968, like so many others of that generation who heard the clarion call, he came to San Francisco. It was here in Northern California, with its mountains and forests that Erlich, an English major, found poetry in the landscape. Graduating from the University of California at Berkeley in their Foresty program, Erlich eventually began to work in urban Forestry. As Forestry manager at the Presidio he oversees the re-forestation program there. Erlich is a man who loves trees and what he does, all the while quoting his favorite poet Yeats and the story of the remarkable urban forest that is the Presidio.
From 1776 to 1994 The northwest tip of the San Francisco peninsula was a strategic military base which guarded the Golden Gate, the natural portal to one of the world’s great natural harbors. Despite the spectacular views, a posting at the Presidio was considered a great hardship. Combined with damp fog, the winds of the Pacific sent sand from the dunes in a relentless drive to the base. Soldiers stationed at the Presidio complained of endlessly digging sand away from buildings, from the sand in their bunks and the sand in their food.
From 1886 to 1900, in a remarkable feat of horticultural endeavor, the army planted over a hundred thousand Monterey Cypress, Blue gum Eucalyptus and Monterey pines in the sterile sand of the Presidio. Plantings were placed on the high ridge to accentuate the topography as in the 19th century landscape manner. The establishment of these man made forests on these once barren dunes rapidly changed the climate of not only the Presidio, but of the growing city of San Francisco. With the wind and sand blocked from these new natural windbreaks, the Presidio became the verdant landscape we see today.
The Forests of the Presidio are now coming to the end of their natural life span. Planted in a short 14 year period of the late 19th century, the forest does not have the mix of young and old trees which characterize a natural forest. While Eucalyptus continue to thrive, the Monterey cypress and Monterey pine are declining. Each year the trust replants two or three acres, staggering their efforts to create a healthy forest that can be sustained. Although these forests are not native, they have become an integral element of the park’s ecosystem, providing an important wildlife habitat. The trust has removed 150 of the dying cypress trees at the grove along the Bay Area Ridge Trail. These are the materials for Goldsworthy’s Spire. The trust will replant 1200 trees in this area in the next 10 years.
The Presidio plant nursery has taken on the task of propagating the tree seedlings. The process begins with germination in seed flats.The shoots are then placed in 5″ long tubes until they are ready for Stewey tree pots. This brand of pot is very tall. The typical one gallon pot creates circular roots, while the extended Stewey pots encourage long roots. These roots are just what the seedlings need to become established in the poor soils of the Presidio.
An collection of impromtu sculptures by anonymous artists, assembled from the scraps of lumber from the creation of The Spire, is located opposite the site on the Bay Ridge Trail.
The crew that constructed The Spire, with Goldsworthy directing from below, is the same crew that is engaged in the forestry program at the Presidio. I think of this as the perfect metaphor for this art installation and shows the blending between the management of the forest and the creation of art.
The Spire by Goldsworthy is a kind of poem to the forest which surrounds it. Growth, decay and renewal are all suggested here. As the young plantings of cypress grow, the sculpture will become part of the larger forest setting.
Eventually, The Spire will disappear into the forest.
What an interesting post. I do like Andy Goldsworthy’s work
Comment by Helen/patientgardener — 22. November 2008 @ 21:40
A poem to the forest that surrounds it… how perfect. gail
Comment by Gail — 22. November 2008 @ 22:20
Hi Philip, thanks for this in depth story about the forest as much as The Spire. It instills wonder at the forethought of those long ago forest planters at a time when thinking *green* did not have the imperative it does now. I do love the clarion call that brought Erlich to California. BTW I just bought three tiny Gold Crest Monterey cypress trees at the grocer’s for holiday decor and to give to the three offspring with gardens of their own. Zone 7-9 the tag says, we are 7.
Frances
Comment by Frances — 23. November 2008 @ 01:49
Oh, Philip, how DO you manage to make me homesick when I’m HERE??? : You are such an excellent sleuth and storyteller of all that surrounds us! Another beautiful depiction! I love that photo of the Bay. That one really pulls at my heartstrings. And, as you most likely know by now, I was certainly part of that pack that was pulled to San Francisco in the 60’s, and was “an English major” so I do very much resonate with your story of your new friend. Thanks, Philip! Well done!
Comment by Kathry/plantwhateverbringsyoujoy.com — 23. November 2008 @ 02:37
Hi Helen!
I just loved your post on the little gems of plants emerging in your garden. What a wonderful post on your blog.
Thank you so much for your comment!
Philip
Comment by admin — 23. November 2008 @ 05:09
Gail!
HI!
Your post on “Sky Above and Earth Below” was poetry.
It was moving beautiful,heartwarming, and a great sense of fun and play…the leaves in the garden beds can wait, Radnor lake is calling!!!
I just loved it.
Thank you for your comment!
Philip
Comment by admin — 23. November 2008 @ 05:17
Hi Frances,
I just love what you do, and your comment is so enjoyed by me.
Yes! trees for the offspring! We plant trees for future generations to enjoy, so your Gold Crest Monterey cypress are just a perfect gift. Sounds like you are getting ready for Thanksgiving! My best to all of you!
Warm regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 23. November 2008 @ 05:27
Dear Kathryn,
Your post on the exhibition of the Scarf Initiative made me smile…and yes, very moved.
I am reminded of the first time I discovered Blotanical in March of this year. I kept coming back to the blog with the image of the prayer flags, a poem by Dylan Thomas and an image of “The Green Man”. “Plant whater brings you joy”, I thought, yes, that is what it is all about. It was a Eureka! moment.
Your blog shows that little things can change the world, especially done with love, purpose and a sense of delight.
I so very much appreciate your comment.
Very Warm regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 23. November 2008 @ 06:05
What a lovely stroll through an extraordinarily beautiful park. That spire is awe inspiring and seems so much a part of the natural landscape. How perfect to think that in the end, it will be absorbed back into the very earth that sustained it. A bit like the rest of us,
Comment by Nancy Bond — 23. November 2008 @ 08:41
Wonderful and typically lyrical meander through yet another unconventional artist in an unconventional site. I love how you consistently unearth those vastly different characters who populate and enhance our outdoor adventures, Philip. As always, your blog is sheer pleasure, thanks!
Comment by Steve — 23. November 2008 @ 09:53
Hi Nancy!
Thank you for taking this stroll with me!
You nailed it with your comment…in doing with post it struck me that the growth,decline and renewal of the forest by new seedlings was the pattern of life itself. It is interesting how you have this in the back of your mind, but the examples of nature show this right before you…my eyes were opened to the pattern.
All so interesting!
Thank you, Nancy
Philip
Comment by admin — 23. November 2008 @ 18:50
Hi Steve!
You made my day with your comment!
I have enjoyed your posts on Louisville. I have never been there, and I had no idea what it looked like. I loved the mature gardens, the walking paths, the distinctive architecture.
Thank you for your support!
Very Sincerely,
Philip
Comment by admin — 23. November 2008 @ 19:09
Thank you for sharing what Andy Goldsworthy is doing these days. I think he’s an artist most gardeners most gardeners can “get” almost immediately…issues of change, ephemerality, connections to the natural world…
I remember a show he did over a decade ago here in San Diego. One gallery had several long branches that had been joined end-to-end and then encased in a thick layer of mud that dried and shifted as the show went on. They were beautiful objects, and as I stood there observing them, one of the constructions cracked and shifted slightly, making a soft creak, rewarding me with a quiet recognition of the subtle changes that the artist wants us celebrate.
Comment by lostlandscape — 23. November 2008 @ 21:42
James,
Your comments are so very thoughtful and perceptive.
Ephemerality…your sharing of the Goldsworthy show of mud and branches shows that nature is never static, nor is any human construction, eventually…
Your comments bring up many ideas to consider, and I appreciate them.
Thank you, James.
Very Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 23. November 2008 @ 22:38
Interesting post as always! It is good to hear that they are replanting so that the forest will thrive. I love the photos.
Comment by Phillip — 24. November 2008 @ 21:56
Hi Pillip!
I just loved your post on roses…I too love the old varieties you favor.
Thanks for your comment!
Best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 24. November 2008 @ 22:41
This post evokes so many feelings, and they are mixed. The Presidio is part of my life and heart.
My husband grew up on the base in the 60’s, when his father was Chief of Staff of 6th Army. Both he and his parents were members of the Presidio Golf Club, and when I met him, I learned to play on its hills, delighting in the wildlife drawn to the course. Hawks in the pines, swallows dodging around our feet as we walked the course and kicked up bugs, quail sheltering in the brush.
My first knowledge of what would grow in my city garden came from my observations of the lush calla lilies, ceanothus, fucshia, and manzanita growing on the base.
I’m also from an Army family and my parents would stay at the old guest house when they came to visit. They both survived medical crises in its hospital.
We were married on the base.
When we lived in the City, we would sneak on the golf course after hours on long foggy summer evenings and play, sticking our clubs in the sprinkler heads to keep from being sprayed.
When the base closed, I felt such a sense of loss of tradition and history. This was the oldest military installation on the West Coast. It has a heritage.
So, i’m happy to hear that the land is being managed by someone who loves trees, but I hope that the dignity of this place, home for so many decades to those whose lives were dedicated to protection and service, will not be diminished by the ephemeral fancy of art and trends.
Comment by Anne — 25. November 2008 @ 05:41
Hi Anne!
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a great comment. Your personal experience of this place as a military base and traditions is appreciated. Your provide a 360 degree view to this post.
I cannot speak for the Presidio Trust, or for the National Park service, just as someone who lives nearby.
In another post I did on Chrissy field I found that the Presidio is very proud of the military history of the Presidio. In any discussion of the Presidio, the parks roots should be discussed.
In this post I tried not to let The Spire by Goldworthy take over. In giving the balance to Erlich and the history of the military’s incredible planting efforts, I hoped that that would be the bigger story.
What I have personally found is that the Presidio is a living community. The houses that military families once lived in, if they had been left empty, would fall into disrepair. The buildings of the Presidio are being restored and many families live in the Presidio again. Historic parts such as the golf course and the forests may clash with a completely native plant program, but have been retained and are being enhanced.
if I can put your mind to rest, I personally feel after I looked into what is happening at the Presidio, I found that the place is thriving. It has opened up to the larger community. The military service of those who served here is honored and celebrated.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, anne. I loved reading about it. Thak you for sharing your perspective, it bring a fuller understanding.
Very best regards,
Philip
Comment by admin — 25. November 2008 @ 19:22
Hi Phil,
Exclamation! OH MY! You have an endless spring of ideas and interests - and it comes from an extraordinary wealth of knowledge (and it is so evident) combined with a creative mind. And a good and kind heart. You are as rare and precious as the subjects you choose.
Comment by patrick — 26. November 2008 @ 02:46
Thanks, Philip, for your kind response. I was a bit concerned that I might seem too serious, but seeing the pictures and reading the story elicited such a response for me.
I definitely agree that your treatment of the story was a thoughtful combination of history and current events. I had never known about the early hardships at the base, that was very interesting! I recall that Golden Gate Park was also originally sand dunes, like the Presidio, its also man made.
I’m glad to hear that the Presidio is being enjoyed and valued. It is a national treasure, and just one more thing that makes San Francisco so magical.
Best regards, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Anne
Comment by Anne — 26. November 2008 @ 04:26
Patrick!
What a nice comment!
exclamation!
Thank you so much!
Phil
Comment by admin — 26. November 2008 @ 05:03
Hi Anne!
Well, naturally the Presidio evokes a personal response, your family lived there and you were married there!
I was so pleased you shared your personal story and thoughts. Facts and figues never tell a story, it is peoples personal experiences and feelings that do.
Thanks so much, Anne.
I have so enjoyed your blog. Thanks for the Rose suggestion, and a reminder for on food for the birds!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Philip
Comment by admin — 26. November 2008 @ 05:09
Philip, is that a blimp flying over the bay as you snapped the photos? The reason I noticed is because the combination of sky and land is interesting.
So this grand monument will decay and decompose as the new forest rises up around it–that is what the artist wants. What a grand idea. In a way…it’s the finest looking compost pile I’ve ever seen.
To see it in person like you did–makes it more special because it will not always be there. And you shared the pics with us so we could be there too. I wonder how many generations will see it before it is no longer. You may be one of the only few who stopped to tell the story. I appreciate that.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Comment by Anna — 27. November 2008 @ 07:41
I enjoyed this very interesting and well-written post and the pics you included.
Makes me want to return for another visit to San Francisco soon.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Jon at Mississippi Garden
Comment by Jon — 27. November 2008 @ 09:09
Hi Anna!
Yes, that is a blimp in the sky!
I was thrilled it was passing overhead…I like the white color ot the blimp which was like the white of the sails on the boats on the bay.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Philip
Comment by admin — 27. November 2008 @ 17:40
Hi Jon!
Happy Thanksgiving!
You lived here in 1965? You mentioned this on your terrific blog, which I so enjoyed.
Thank you for your nice comment!
Philip
Comment by admin — 27. November 2008 @ 17:49
I not sure about the spire - but planting a forest is a good use of an army.
Lucy
Comment by Lucy Corrander — 30. November 2008 @ 21:14
Lucy!
You make me chuckle!
Thanks for your comment.
Philip
Comment by admin — 1. December 2008 @ 19:17
You go on the most wonderful field trips. That spire is just stunning in both stature and simplicity! Thanks so much for taking us along, Kim
Comment by inadvertentfarmer — 3. December 2008 @ 02:39
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Pingback by Mighty Impermanence in the Presidio—Andy Goldsworthy’s “Spire” « Venetian Red — 4. December 2008 @ 08:59
A fascinating post. Absolutely agree with lostlandscape about the appeal of the ephemerality of Andy Golsworthy’s art - his ice and snow sculptures were the first ones I saw (though sadly not in real life).
Comment by HappyMouffetard — 7. December 2008 @ 16:37
Hi Kim!
Thank you for your comment! I love visits to your wonderfaul farm via your blog!
Philip
Comment by admin — 9. December 2008 @ 04:37
Happy Mouffetard!
Thanks for your comment.
I have ben away, but I hope to be back soon with a post and visiting blogs!
Than you so much for your comment!
Philip
Comment by admin — 9. December 2008 @ 04:38
I am always inspired by Andy Goldsworthy’s reverence for nature and for ephemeral beauty. It’s awe-inspiring, the time and effort that goes into his leaf sculptures, ice creations and other short-lived pieces. But I’m with you, the Presidio is even more interesting. I had no idea. Your posts, at least those I’ve followed, are always transporting; thanks for taking me along.–Steve
Comment by Steve — 11. December 2008 @ 06:15
Thank you for your resource .. great site !
Comment by modern art painting snow — 4. January 2010 @ 09:47
Your site is just great…Thank you!!!
Comment by Cyprus Girl — 16. March 2010 @ 08:07