Earth, Time and Transformation - Becky Little - BS192

Building Sustainability Podcast

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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