Environmental Artists Rebecca & Mark Ford

Contemporary artists Mark Antony Haden Ford and Rebecca Ford of Two Circles Design work with natural materials.  Working at their studio in Slindon, within the South Downs National Park, making for both public and private sectors.

Both have a strong interest in the archaeology, geography and wonders of the natural world, drawing on traditions and techniques of willow craft and woodland management. As international environmental artists, their installations and  sculptures encompass a wide range of traditional skills and practices.

Mark and Rebecca’s work reflects a renewed interest in returning to a slower pace of life, to the art of making something that takes time and effort. They actively engage with Schools, Universities and community groups to create new works.

They have represented the UK at several International Environmental Land Art events and have created works for South Downs National Park, Venice Biennale, Burberry, Glastonbury Festival, RHS, Grange Opera, Farley Farmhouse, University of Surrey, Slindon College, Kent Wildlife Trust, Arundel Wetlands, Chichester Cathedral, West Dean and Arundel Castle.

The works of Mark and Rebecca Ford reflects a renewed interest in returning to a slower pace of life, to the art of making something that takes time and effort. The final forms take time to evolve, the nature of the material dictating in part, the direction and shape. As the willow criss-crosses and interweaves, it creates fluid lines, drawings on a grand scale, a flowing story that stimulates and exhilarates the senses.

They have taught weaving skills to a variety of different age groups and come highly recommended to offer excellent tuition and are committed to create ‘safe spaces where everyone can contribute and feel valued’.

They have represented the UK at several international Environmental Land Art events and have works in private collections including Farley Farm House, Chiddingly, University of Surrey, Slindon College, Arundel Castle.

Having restored local 'over-stood' willow stools back into rotation for harvesting themselves, through to the physical demands of manipulating the material, Mark and Rebecca Ford’s work reflects a renewed interest in returning to a slower pace of life, to the art of making something that takes time and effort. The Sculptures final forms take time to evolve, the nature of the material dictating in part, the direction and shape. As the willow criss-crosses and interweaves, it creates fluid lines, drawings on a grand scale, a flowing story that stimulates and exhilarates the senses.

In May 2016 we represented the UK at the International Land Art Meeting Humus Park, in Pordenone, Italy. www.humuspark.it

In September 2017 we participated in Land Art Park, Kozlowka, Poland.

September 2018 took us to Lithuania for Land Art Kaunas, 

and March 2019 to 2023 L.E.A.F the Llano Earth Art Festival, in Texas, USA in 2021 Mark organised #BeLEAF an online global Land Art Festival including the World Rock Stacking Championships. 150 Artists in 35 countries from every continent. Over 30 hours of LiveStreamed content. 

then to Creations sur le champs, Canada and created 'Atamatik' 

We've had sculptures on display at Farley Farm House, Muddles Green Chiddingly www.leemiller.co.uk   Sculpture Garden

TESTIMONIALS
Beccy East, Creative Producer, www.artswork.org.uk
Chips the seagull has had such an incredible response from the community in Littlehampton. I don't think I've ever put a piece of art in the public realm that has had such so much love and positivity, thanks again for making him happen.
Pauline Cory, Transition Town Worthing, UK
Mark and Rebecca Ford have facilitated 4 community workshops for Transition Town Worthing over the past 5 years and have always been such a delight to work with.  They have the ability to make everything they do such fun, even in the pouring rain!!  
They are real troopers - they endure all sorts of conditions, bring all the materials and tools we need, work incredibly hard and to a very professional standard, and ensure that everyone has a great time!  
Mark has always helped us create some great structures as a group, even though most people have never done anything like this before, and Rebecca has gently and expertly guided participants to craft their own individual creations to take home.
What I really love about these wonderful people is that they are enablers - they demonstrate how to do things and then let people explore the materials and come up with their own versions, just perfect for a community group like ours with a vast range of ages, abilities and backgrounds.