Mark Heffley
I’m an artist and climber who aims to give retired climbing rope a second life. An average rope lasts 3 to 5 years and then is discarded for safety reasons. I see these ropes as a medium to create stunning pieces of functional and decorative art. These works preserve the emotional power of the rope and what it represents—the life-saving link between two climbers. They also represent my interest in environmental causes, preserving the ropes for centuries to come and keeping them out of the landfill as well. The process is made even more fulfilling by choosing complex projects that constantly push the boundaries of what has come before.
Fascinated by the interplay between beauty and functionality, my work has developed into more than what it started out as—which was a sentimental token. With a belief that our world is too interested in what’s next to appreciate the moment of now, I hope people will see my work (chairs most specifically) as a place to rest the physical body and mind. After a quick moment of rest, I hope that the participant will engage more intimately with the work.
Q&A
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? I remember feeling creative in pottery and shop classes in high school and then I didn’t really engage in art again for 20 or so years.
When did art become a pursuit? It began approximately 8 years after I started climbing and was about to retire my second climbing rope. My rug project turned into a 42 inch tall bird bath that I titled My First Rug and the birth of my series #BetterThanARug was born.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? I am experimentally taught through progressive failure.
How did you first become involved with CAA? I stumbled across the Red exhibit online and had a good experience.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? Rope…its free.
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? Without question, yes, there is, but what that is, I leave to the viewer.
What role do you think the artist plays in society? Expansion of curiosity and wonder.
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? Progression, everything I’ve ever worked on comes with a bunch of unknowns. I generally have 2-3 possible ways of handling each problem when I get there, but inevitably, what I thought would be my answer never is, and I’m forced to invent a new technique. I am then armed with a new skill try to push the work further yet again.
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? Learning to Listen is a 26 x 26 x 26 square table that works as a glorified planter. Not only is it made from recycled plastic (climbing rope, which is nylon, which is plastic), but with a live house plant inside, I’m doing a bit more towards erasing my carbon footprint than nothing.
What’s your favorite place to see art, and why? I love seeing public art…It’s free!
What living artists are you inspired by? Toshiko Horiuchi Macadam, Ernesto Neto, and others!
See more from Mark
Website: secondascentdesign.com
Instagram: @secondascentdesigns
Facebook: Second Ascent Designs