# Playable Oak Sculptures Funeral for a Tree is a Sound Sculpture by Steve Parker By Amy Duong | Published 2026-01-18 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funeral-for-a-tree References: [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/parkerstevesounds/)  Funeral for a Tree is a sound sculpture created by artist Steve Parker as a tribute to a 65-year-old live oak that died from oak wilt in his front yard. Parker cut cross-sectional slices of the oak trunk and hand-carved grooves directly into the wood to form playable records. The carved records are displayed on walls, and a custom Victrola-style turntable built by the artist plays them. The grooves on the wooden discs are etched with the songs of migratory birds that once nested in the tree, producing a textured, resonant sound when played. In addition to the wooden records, the installation includes a companion piece called Sheng Shrine composed of brass valves, copper tubing, and ventilator equipment repurposed into a plant-like instrument form. The exhibition integrates these elements on pedestals and wall mounts to evoke memory, sound, and the tree’s presence. Image Credit: Steve Parker ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.1/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 62% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Playable Wooden Records:** The convergence of natural materials and music technology in creating playable wooden records offers a tactile and auditory experience that transforms traditional sculptures into interactive sound art. - **Nature-inspired Sound Installations:** Infusing elements from the natural world into sound installations provides audiences with immersive experiences that blend art, environment, and memory. - **Repurposed Instrumentation:** Turning everyday or discarded materials into musical instruments fosters innovation in sustainable art practices and highlights creative reuse. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Artisanal Audio Equipment:** The creation of custom audio equipment like turntables for specific artistic installations opens up avenues in niche market craftsmanship. - **Sustainable Art Practices:** Innovations in using natural and repurposed materials for art and music underscore an industry shift towards eco-conscious creativity. - **Interactive Museum Exhibits:** Integrating playable sculpture pieces into exhibitions enhances visitor engagement through interactive storytelling using sound-based memories. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Seamless Silicone Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twist-pen.md) - [Fuzzy Mule Slip-Ons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harbor-mule-slipon.md) - [Modular Sauna Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pavilion-sei.md) - [Avant Garde Seasonal Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brucolic.md) - [Seasonal Slip-On Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ora-primo-2.md) - [Multi-Purpose Workspaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kokuyo.md) - [Reconfigurable Timber Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arkhive.md) - [Community Hall Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sangha-bhawan.md) - [Precision-Machined Titanium Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magicdrive.md)