About Elaine Ford
Artist | Biologist | Explorer
Elaine Ford is an artist, explorer, and trained biologist whose work bridges art, science, and storytelling to inspire deeper connections with the natural world—and with ourselves as integral parts of it. Her practice is driven by a curiosity to explore the biological and physical phenomena shaping our planet, our perception of it, and our place within it.
Elaine’s interdisciplinary approach spans contemporary art, immersive and geospatial technologies, and biodiversity conservation. By combining ecological expertise with artistic innovation, she delves into the fragility of complex ecosystems, the unseen patterns of life, and our innate drive to explore, connect, and create.
Her dual academic background—studying BA Fine Art alongside a BSc in Biology (Ecology) with an integrated MSc in Tropical Biodiversity Fieldwork—forms the foundation of her unique practice. Elaine collaborates with leading organisations, including The Jane Goodall Institute, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, BirdLife International, Collective Intelligence Lab, and NASA Data Portal, to create transformative experiences using 360° VR filmmaking, ecological and satellite data, and natural materials.
Elaine’s work takes her from the rainforests of South America and the savannahs of Africa to marine environments in Southeast Asia and the rugged Scottish Highlands. Her creative process integrates co-creation with nature, experimenting with materials like slime molds, salt crystals, and glass to reflect the dynamic forces of the natural world. These works include salt-based installations, regenerative artworks, and digital crafting, all emphasizing the interconnectedness of life.
As the founder of Electrek Explorer, Elaine leads a mission-driven platform that promotes sustainable travel and makes exploration accessible, inclusive, and regenerative. Through her second venture, Planet Rewild, she creates virtual "arks" of 360° wildlife films, allowing audiences to experience the wilderness and connect with the intricate beauty of diverse ecosystems.
Her art and expeditions have been exhibited internationally, from Paris to Burning Man, and featured in residencies like Saltworks at Inspace Gallery, which highlights the fragility of ocean ecosystems. She continues to push the boundaries of art and science, envisioning a future where these disciplines collaborate to address pressing environmental challenges.
Elaine is deeply inspired by the unseen dimensions of life—from the sensuous abilities of animals and plants to the transformative possibilities of technology. Her work captures the processes of nature through innovative materials and techniques, creating pieces that blend human creativity with the intelligence of the natural world.
An advocate for inclusivity, Elaine has volunteered as an art tutor for the Royal National Institute for Blind People and trained with Sports Scotland in disability inclusion in sport. As an experienced mountaineer, BSAC diver, and adventure sports model, she combines her love of the outdoors with her passion for inspiring others to connect with nature through exploration and creativity.
