Steve Parker, an artist from Austin, paid tribute to a fallen 65-year-old tree that succumbed to oak wilt by creating a unique sound sculpture. The tree, which had provided a habitat for migratory birds in Parker’s front yard, was transformed into a poetic ode titled “Funeral for a Tree,” now on display at Ivester Contemporary.
Using slices of the tree trunk, Parker carved them like vinyl records and encoded bird songs into the grain. When these tree record sculptures are placed on a Victrola-style turntable, they play the avian soundscapes, creating a mesmerizing auditory experience.
In addition to the tree record sculptures, Parker also constructed a suspended brass and copper sculpture with tubing that resembles roots, some of which feature blue-bag ventilators at their tips. These medical devices are juxtaposed with CPAP machines in another installation that includes bark-clad limbs and vintage instruments called shengs sourced from a Taipei flea market.
The inspiration behind “Funeral for a Tree” stems from Parker’s personal experience of grief, particularly the loss of his father to cancer. The project reflects the artist’s realization that his sorrow for the tree mirrors the slow and inevitable decline of his father, where despite all care, loss was inevitable.
Through his art, Parker emphasizes the themes of breath and the rhythmic pulse of life, connecting the natural world to human experiences of loss and remembrance. To see more of Parker’s work, visit his Instagram profile.
The visual elements of Parker’s sound sculptures can be seen in the images above, showcasing the intricate details and craftsmanship that went into creating this moving tribute to a fallen tree.
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