In this episode of the Landmark Difference Makers Podcast, we explore the creative and impactful work of Mark and Rebecca Ford, renowned environmental artists and founders of Two Circles Design. Based in the stunning South Downs National Park in the UK, this visionary couple has spent decades crafting monumental installations and fostering community connections through art. From working with willow and hazel to leading collaborative projects that inspire wonder and connection, their story is one of creativity, sustainability, and impact.
From Roots in Nature to Monumental Creations
Mark and Rebecca’s journeys into environmental art began in vastly different ways but converged in a shared passion for the natural world. Mark was inspired by the ancient woodlands of the South Downs, where a nearby highway project sparked his commitment to treading lightly on the Earth. Rebecca, on the other hand, grew up immersed in nature and surrounded by creative influences like poets, artists, and musicians.
Together, they’ve turned their love for the environment into breathtaking site-specific installations, drawing on centuries-old willow craft traditions. Their work is a celebration of history, nature, and human creativity, integrating seamlessly with the landscapes they inhabit.
Art That Builds Community
Mark and Rebecca are passionate about creating art that connects people to nature and to one another. Their projects often involve local communities, schools, and artists, bringing together diverse groups to participate in collaborative installations. One notable example is The Star of Peace, a nine-meter-high willow spire created in Chichester Cathedral to commemorate the end of World War I. The project involved young carers, schoolchildren, and community groups, resulting in over 4,000 heartfelt messages of peace woven into the structure.
“People experience a profound sense of wonder and peace inside our installations,” Rebecca shares. “These projects give participants a voice, even in the smallest of actions, like writing a message of hope.”
Sustainability in Action
Mark and Rebecca’s commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of their work. They harvest materials like willow and hazel from community-run meadows and commercial growers, ensuring their practices support local ecosystems and traditions. Willow, a highly versatile and eco-friendly material, not only forms the basis of their sculptures but also plays a vital role in maintaining biodiversity and preventing erosion.
For them, sustainability isn’t just about materials—it’s about fostering a deeper connection to the Earth. “When people engage with nature through art, they slow down, observe, and rediscover a sense of wonder,” Mark explains.
Inspiring Creativity and Connection
Through workshops and collaborations, Mark and Rebecca aim to spark creativity in others, especially young people. They’ve worked with schools and special needs groups, finding that the simple act of creating something with natural materials transcends barriers. “When people realize they’re capable of making art, it’s transformative,” Rebecca says. “It opens up a world of possibility.”
Their work also addresses the growing “nature deficit disorder” in today’s technology-driven world, encouraging people to reconnect with the natural environment and rediscover the joy of creativity.
A Legacy of Collaboration and Possibility
For Mark and Rebecca, art is about more than permanence—it’s about the legacy of connections and the ripple effects of shared experiences. “Nothing is permanent,” Mark reflects. “But the impact we have on people and the environment lives on in ways we may never see.”
Their message to aspiring artists is simple: start small, connect with others, and embrace the journey of trial and error. “Creativity is about persistence and courage,” Rebecca adds. “It’s about showing up, learning, and pushing through challenges.”
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