Make Space artist Rebekah Ford answers our probing questions…
Who are you and explain what you do in 100 words?
I’m Rebekah Ford. I’m a digital creative and I build, design and collaborate on all manner of digital projects for large and small organisations. I’m also an illustrator and have recently done a bit of creative art direction with another artist.
What’s your background?
Most of my jobs have involved colouring in. I’ve worked at the BBC as a manager of a great group of web developers working on all the radio & music propositions. Back in the 90s I was a make-up artist and before that, a paste-up artist. I also worked for Deadline comic in the late 1980s and was one of their Tank Girl lookalikes. I’ve been a DJ on and off for many years playing hip hop, jazz, funk & soul.
What role does art have in society?
It is an integral and indescribable necessity. Without art and design we couldn’t communicate effectively or create beautiful entertainment and alternatives to the dross and banality of everyday life.
What’s your favourite piece of art?
I adore Leonardo da Vinci’s sketchbooks and drawings, they make me extremely happy. I also love Sonia Delauney’s work but not one specific item.
Why art?
It’s what I know and have had all my life. My parents are artists/designers and so is my brother and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I was dragged to endless exhibitions and galleries, often against my will, since I was knee high. It has meant that I notice visual things that some people don’t unless they have been trained or conditioned in some way to see. I like that shorthand language you can have with other artists and those synaesthesia-type conversations that just make sense.
What superpower would you have and why?
The power to increase people’s ability to see when they’re being hoodwinked by the media and all the BS imposed by those in power who wish to keep us all quiet, distracted and under control. I would like to see a bit of passion about it.
What talent do you yearn for?
I wish I was good at carpentry and that I could sing well. I sing but it’s not a nice experience for anyone else apart from me. I’d also like to be a natural tap dancer but I’ve got a permanently broken ankle so that’s not going to happen any time soon..
What is your dream project?
Creating and working on an immersive installation game and/or theatrical event with people that I admire and want to work with. Just creating/building beautiful interesting things in the face of adversity.
Best piece of advice you’ve been given?
You’re only as good as your last job.
also
Think about what you’re wearing today, if you were suddenly killed, that would be your ghost outfit for the rest of eternity! I don’t believe in ghosts but like the idea of not compromising just in case.
Professionally, what’s your goal?
To have the financial freedom to explore many different ways/styles/methods of working and to get to work with many different creative people and to always be a little bit out of my depth. I want to be painting, making digital art, storytelling and professionally goofing about.
What wouldn’t you do without?
My boyfriend and his endless love, support and supply of cups of tea and also I can’t work without music.
What does Make Space mean to you?
Some places where I’ve worked, I’ve felt like an oddball and have felt constrained or not able to be myself. Here I’m with a load of other creative oddballs and feel at home and happy. It’s very sociable and there’s always something going on in the kitchen. I like kitchen dramas.
