Earth, Time and Transformation - Becky Little - BS192
In this episode, we sit down with Becky Little, an artist, builder, and earth enthusiast, who shares her journey from traditional building to her deeply rooted, place-based art. Becky discusses her Orkney project, EarthBound Orkney, which draws on the land’s Neolithic history, combining locally sourced earth materials to create tactile art pieces that celebrate and reflect the landscape.
Becky explains the influence of geology and place on her work, touching on the ancient methods and materials she integrates, including soil samples, clay mortars, and stone. She explores the philosophy of call and response, as she adapts to the materials and surroundings in a practice that is as much about process as it is about the final product. Additionally, we delve into her fascination with seaweed, which she's woven into her art, embodying the transient nature of materials and place.
Beyond the technicalities of working with earth and natural materials, Becky speaks passionately about the narrative power of her art to connect viewers with the history and future of sustainable, local building practices. This episode captures the essence of art born from nature, sustainability, and an artist’s journey to discover deeper, timeless connections to the earth.
BS129 Links
- Rebearth - https://www.rebearth.co.uk/
- EBUKI Earthbound Orkney- https://www.ebuki.co/projects-1/earthbound-orkney
- Earthbound Orkney BOOK - https://www.orcadian.co.uk/shop/orkney-history/1520-earthbound-orkney.html
- Orcadian basin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orcadian_Basin
- Skara Brae - https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/skara-brae/overview/
- Ness of brodgar - https://www.nessofbrodgar.co.uk/
- Maeshowe - https://www.orkneyology.com/maeshowe.html
- Daniel Podcast - https://www.buildingsustainabilitypodcast.com/historical-turf-construction-daniel-postma-/
- Art and Archaeology masters degree - https://archaeologyorkney.com/2023/07/24/art-archaeology-2023/
- Rowland Keable - https://rammedearthconsulting.com/
- Sand Talk - Tyson-Yunkaporta BOOK - https://assets.ikhnaie.link/click.html?wgcampaignid=1615880&wgprogramid=10671&wgtarget=https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Tyson-Yunkaporta/Sand-Talk--How-Indigenous-Thinking-Can-Save-the-World/29943931
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Becky Little
Mud Mason
Rebearth was set up by myself, Becky Little in 2015, following a long career as a traditional builder with stone, earth and lime. While I still love learning from the past I wanted a more holistic approach to work (and life) and to share and develop my expertise with natural building materials. This ongoing journey has enabled me to work with a wide range of craftspeople, professionals and learners throughout Europe and beyond. These collaborations are wide ranging but in essence they are about being intimate with a place and it’s people; creating buildings and art in tune with nature and the seasons, while nurturing relationships, team building and personal growth. As a builder I have a pragmatic approach to making things work on time and budget. As an artist and teacher I can expand this view and help others find new skills and creativity.
So while Rebearth begins with me it also embraces a much wider network of learning and expertise which I tap into for every project and idea, big or small. I can only offer a glimpse of what we do in these pages but you can find more about our work via the social media links or by contacting me directly. I look forward to hearing from you.
