"Fire is the origin of stone.By working the stone with heat, I am returning it to its source"

In this quote, artist Andy Goldsworthy is highlighting the connection between fire and stone. He recommends that fire is the origin of stone, implying that the extreme heat of fire is what changes basic materials into strong, resilient stone. Goldsworthy then goes on to explain that by working with the stone using heat, he is basically returning it to its source. This might be analyzed as a way of honoring and acknowledging the natural procedure of how stone is created. It likewise speaks with the artist's intention of using fire as a tool to control and form the stone, ultimately creating a deeper connection in between the two components.