a series of isolated landscapes, a wearable, a holder of field recording equipment, a protective coat in the elements
‘Sound Coat’ is a wearable piece designed for performative projects and acoustic field recording in natural environments, particularly my rainforest. It combines functionality, artistic expression, and environmental commentary. The coat’s base panels are constructed from reclaimed canvas found during a street cleanup, shaped to resemble property boundaries. These panels are adorned with isolated ‘islands’, part of a series called ‘Tessellated Landscapes’, created using a punch-needle embroidery technique with threads and wool sourced from op shops. These textured ‘micro carpets’ mimic the aerial view of dense vegetation, with their sharp-edged, irregular shapes symbolising the arbitrary property lines imposed by colonial officials—lines that often ignored ecological boundaries and cultural traditions.
Strategic pockets in the coat hold sound recording equipment, and is notionally weatherproof to withstand forest conditions.
‘Spats’ cover boots. Although traditionally protective, these ones are likely to collect bits of moss, sticks, and dirt when worn in the landscape. These spats feature aerial landscapes made with punch-needle embroidery on deadstock fabric sourced from the local Country Women’s Association (CWA).
This project merges art, ecology, and science, drawing on my research about how tree species disperse across terrains. In the hilly region where this work is grounded, landscapes are often viewed from high vantage points or through Google Earth imaging. This perspective influences the visual and conceptual design of the ‘Tessellated Landscapes’, which connect creative visualisation with data about land management and ecological patterns.
The Sound Coat represents the fragmented landscapes of extractive activities—such as timber, cattle grazing, and water extraction—that have shaped the local area. Like the magic lanterns of early cinema, in the field the coat facilitates field recording, in an exhibition it emits rainforest sounds, creating an immersive experience that bridges the sensory and ecological. As both a sculptural work and a performance piece, the Sound Coat invites reflection on the interconnection of land, art, and sound.
Exhibitions:
Defashion Dungog, 2024
‘Work of Art’ Showcase, Orange, NSW, a Regional Arts NSW program, 2024.
Tabbil Forest
Photos: 1&2 Brian Doherty, 3&4 SnapsByMadds