BUILD

The Big Andrew Foundation is proud to announce our new Artist-in-Residence program, BUILD.

BUILD highlights the creative talent within the Big Andrew community network.  Artists are essential to the foundation; the unique perspectives and talents they bring to the table allow us to tell our story and grow our network in new, dynamic, and exciting ways.

Mike clark

Mike Clark is a talented, passionate filmmaker, photographer, speaker, and all-around legend. His work around environmental and cultural conservation has taken him across six continents and garnered accolades from film critics to United Nation officials alike. He’s responsible for the latest Big Andrew video, Empowering Impact Through Passion, and we can’t wait to see where this new year takes him.  Peep more of Mike’s work on his website, www.michaelryanclark.com, or follow him on Instagram @michaelryanclark.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

I live nomadically in my Ford Transit 250 High Top van! My favorite places to park range from the California Coast and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to my hometown of Portsmouth, NH.

WHAT’S YOUR INVOLVEMENT WITH THE BIG ANDREW AND HOW DOES THE FOUNDATION INSPIRE YOU?

I was immediately drawn in by the foundation’s ability to turn a difficult loss into an incredible community event that draws in people from all walks of life. As a conservationist and wildlife filmmaker, I am inspired by the Big Andrew’s ability to turn loss into hope and change, and tell a positive story for the future. This is what I strive to do in my work, and it’s something that the Big Andrew does very well.

WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU CREATED RECENTLY THAT YOU’RE PROUD OF?

My most recent project, concerning noise pollution issues with humpback whales in Iceland, recently won its category in the short films section for the United Nations World Wildlife Day and Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival, has been accepted in film festivals worldwide, and will be used as a tool for policy advancement by the United Nations. I’m also currently working with National Geographic documenting sea turtles in Panama!

BIGGEST LIFE ASPIRATION?

I have committed my life to the conservation of wild spaces and wildlife. My greatest aspiration in life is to create measurable change for conservation across the planet, and in this crazy expedition-style life, to have dedicated plenty of time to the relationships that mean a lot to me when I do have the chance to be home.

FAVORITE ACTIVITY WHEN NOT WORKING?

Getting schooled by my 12-year-old brother playing basketball.

HAVE ANY PETS?

I don’t have any in the van, but my family as a 1-year-old 185 (still growing) English Mastiff, a 13-year-old German Shepard, three fish, nine cats, and three horses!

HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR EGGS?

Baked into a delicious cake with ice cream.

BIGGEST PET PEEVE?

I don’t know if I have any?

FAVORITE COLOR?

Purple. I was recently told by my close friend with synesthesia (the ability to see the color of different words) that my name is purple, too!

FAVORITE MOVIE/WHY?

I love Lord of the Rings. To me it represents what it means to be human, to face darkness and unbelievably difficult odds, but to succeed given the dedication and care of the community around you and your closest friends. I love that.

ANY CLOSING REMARKS?

For a storyteller I try to get across as much as possible that it’s not my story, it’s the subjects’. What is the story in front of you? And how can you tell this story in a way that’s truthful and helpful to your subjects, even if that’s the harder story to tell? For me that’s almost a life motto: stay truthful, transparent, and honest and be willing to put in the extra work to get things right, whether I’m storytelling or not. Also, the Big Andrew is rad! Go to their events, you’ll have a blast.