About

Elaine Ford

Hi I’m Elaine, an Artist and Wildlife Biologist from Scotland.

Passionate about nature restoration, I set up Planet ReWild to enable 360 film wildlife production for virtual reality (VR) experiences that transport the viewer to remote locations to engage with wild landscapes, diverse cultures and animals.

I work to create immersive experiences, art installation, drawing and sculpture that to help connect us with ourselves, as a part of nature. 

I’m fascinated by the notion that information extends beyond the reach of our human senses; the sensuous abilities of other animals and plants; and how we design technology to enhance our sensory capability.

As well as technology I love using natural material such as glass, salt, crystal formations and slime mould, to allow observation of the processes of time and mapping patterns of the natural world. I create environments and structures to manipulate formations in attempts to encapsulate the forces of nature.

I’m currently developing a long-term project exploring the application of 360 film-making techniques in the Okavango Delta, to help diverse communities around the world experience wildlife up-close and engage with the latest conservation issues.

In collaboration with Wild Immersion, I have exhibited  immersive content in Paris, Los Angeles, at Burning Man and at home in Edinburgh.

Fascinated by the power of satellite technology to enable the conservation of wildlife and natural habitat, I collaborated with RSPB to create art work commissioned as part of the Space and Satellite Artist residency, hosted by Design Informatics at the InSpace Gallery, University of Edinburgh

I love the connections between art, science and use of technology, to be able to see the world in different ways. I studied BA Fine Art and BSc Biology (Ecology) with integrated MSc Tropical Biodiversity at Edinburgh University.

What I Do
  • Artwork
  • Environmental & Arts Research

Electrek Explorer:

  • 360 VR Immersive Tech
  • Wildlife Film/Photography

Passionate to protect the environment, I set up Electrek Explorer – a mission driven start-up to help tackle the climate crisis by promoting low-carbon, electric vehicle travel and nature-based tourism. Currently hosted by Geovation Scotland. start-up accelerator .

As a scientist I’ve conducted ecological surveys and undertaken fieldwork and species identification in a wide range of habitats including Central American savannahs, jungles in Belize, Serra de Tramuntana mountains, scrub forests in Mallorca and lochs and woodlands in Scotland. I also scuba dived to survey wildlife. Throughout my studies and research I’ve worked and trained with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. I’ve also trained in Tropical Biodiversity with the Royal Botanic Garden, obtaining a certificate in Botanical Fieldwork and obtained tropical collections for the Natural History Museum UK.

I love adventure sports, science expeditions, exploring the ocean, mountains and forests…pretty much anything outdoors! I also work as an adventure sports model.

Here are some links to my recent work:

RSPB & Bird Life International. Elaine Ford uses salt, data and art to study puffins and explore the interconnection of life in the ocean and the fragility of our ecosystems. https://community.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/b/biodiversity/posts/saltworks—creating-project-puffin-art

Scotsman: Space and Satellites Art Review : https://www.scotsman.com/arts-and-culture/art/where-art-and-science-collide-space-and-satellites-artist-residency-exhibition-edinburghs-inspace-2927641

Insider. Science & Technology. Geovation Scotland adds 4 starts ups to accelerator programme. https://www.insider.co.uk/news/geovation-scotland-adds-four-start-22254465

Business Insider. Science & Technology. ‘The tech-enabled future of Scottish tourism – augmented reality, inclusivity and slime mould’: https://www.insider.co.uk/news/tech-enabled-future-scottish-tourism-23823477

Travel-Tech Scotland, Visualise the Future Artwork

Saltworks Exhibition: https://inspace.ed.ac.uk/elaineford/

Dandelion seeds fly using ‘impossible’ method never before seen in nature. Nature Journal. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-07084-8

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