Comments on: Art of the Forest; Andy Goldsworthy and Peter Erlich at The Presidio http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/ Fri, 10 Sep 2010 06:45:45 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.1 By: Cyprus Girl http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-24950 Cyprus Girl Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:07:34 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-24950 Your site is just great...Thank you!!! Your site is just great…Thank you!!!

]]> By: modern art painting snow http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-20654 modern art painting snow Mon, 04 Jan 2010 07:47:29 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-20654 Thank you for your resource .. great site ! Thank you for your resource .. great site !

]]> By: Steve http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2729 Steve Thu, 11 Dec 2008 04:15:27 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2729 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 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

]]> By: admin http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2694 admin Tue, 09 Dec 2008 02:38:29 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2694 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 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

]]> By: admin http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2693 admin Tue, 09 Dec 2008 02:37:02 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2693 Hi Kim! Thank you for your comment! I love visits to your wonderfaul farm via your blog! :) Philip Hi Kim!
Thank you for your comment! I love visits to your wonderfaul farm via your blog!
:)
Philip

]]> By: HappyMouffetard http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2676 HappyMouffetard Sun, 07 Dec 2008 14:37:32 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2676 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). 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).

]]> By: Mighty Impermanence in the Presidio—Andy Goldsworthy’s “Spire” « Venetian Red http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2645 Mighty Impermanence in the Presidio—Andy Goldsworthy’s “Spire” « Venetian Red Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:59:33 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2645 [...] Philips Garden Blog [...] […] Philips Garden Blog […]

]]> By: inadvertentfarmer http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2630 inadvertentfarmer Wed, 03 Dec 2008 00:39:03 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2630 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 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

]]> By: admin http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2613 admin Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:17:37 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2613 Lucy! You make me chuckle! Thanks for your comment. :) Philip Lucy!
You make me chuckle!
Thanks for your comment.
:)
Philip

]]> By: Lucy Corrander http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2605 Lucy Corrander Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:14:24 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2605 I not sure about the spire - but planting a forest is a good use of an army. Lucy I not sure about the spire - but planting a forest is a good use of an army.

Lucy

]]> By: admin http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2571 admin Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:49:37 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2571 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 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

]]> By: admin http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2570 admin Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:40:48 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2570 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 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

]]> By: Jon http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2566 Jon Thu, 27 Nov 2008 07:09:59 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2566 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 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

]]> By: Anna http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2565 Anna Thu, 27 Nov 2008 05:41:50 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2565 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! 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!

]]> By: admin http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2546 admin Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:09:10 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2546 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 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

]]> By: admin http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2545 admin Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:03:34 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2545 Patrick! :) What a nice comment! exclamation! Thank you so much! :) Phil Patrick!
:)
What a nice comment!
exclamation!
Thank you so much!
:)
Phil

]]> By: Anne http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2544 Anne Wed, 26 Nov 2008 02:26:39 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2544 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 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

]]> By: patrick http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2542 patrick Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:46:24 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2542 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. 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.

]]> By: admin http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2534 admin Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:22:56 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2534 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 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

]]> By: Anne http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2522 Anne Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:41:40 +0000 http://philipsgardenblog.com/2008/11/22/art-of-the-forest-andy-goldsworthy-and-peter-erlich-at-the-presidio/#comment-2522 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. 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.

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