Richard Long: Walking the Line

Long's ability to make works of physical and intellectual beauty in both outdoor and indoor spaces is unrivaled, and the journey covered here takes the reader around the world: to the Sahara Desert and down the Rio Grande, from coast to coast in Ireland and Spain, to Tierra del Fuego and Mongolia, and to the forests of Honshu in Japan.

Some of the artist's sculptures were made during his walks through the world's landscapes, while others bring the materials of nature—stones, boulders, driftwood, clay, and mud—into museums, galleries, houses, and gardens. These works feed the senses, whereas the texts and photographs recording the artist's walks feed the imagination.

Majestic museum pieces made from tons of rock are juxtaposed with dramatic mud works and photographs recording ephemeral sculptures often made in the remote wilderness. Most of the photographs were taken by the artist himself, and the book also includes his notes and writings.

If walking has become Long's trademark, the path is perhaps the central image or archetype in his work. The idea of the path or way has meaning in all cultures—from the most material to the most spiritual. It is both real and symbolic, whether it is a life, a road, or the Taoist "Great Way." With his walks, Richard Long weaves a line through many traditions, creating an art that is both timeless and universal. 248 illustrations in color and duotone.

First published in hardcover in 2002, this substantial, oversize (11.75x10.25") paperback presents, in an effective horizontal format, the photographs British artist Long and others took of the natural areas he visited and the earth art he created on his epic walks into remote areas worldwide. Excerpts from Long's journals are included, though the full-page color and b&w photos take pride of place. A selection of views of exhibition installations are also featured. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR