Mount Macedon - The Art of the Trail.
The systems of a trail are deeper than just the path you find yourself on. Every route comes with a tapestry of overlapping ecosystems.
I’m currently working on a creative project that explores the relationship between the macro and micro systems of a trail run. From geological structures and forest trophic levels at the macro level, down to flora species and mycelial networks at the micro level, these systems are constantly in interaction. I’ve been researching where these overlap throughout Mount Macedon, documenting each as I move throughout the mountain.
My vision is to showcase my findings in an art installation in early August, illustrating the complexity of the natural world that is often overlooked. By increasing curiosity, discovering new aspects of the trails becomes endless. The project’s ambition is to help more people prioritise their well-being by immersing them in nature.
Research Phase - What I've been learning:
During April, I've spent six days running different trails across Mount Macedon, mapping the majority of the mountain. This fieldwork has given me comprehensive knowledge of the terrain's:
Varying track conditions (particularly challenging on the technical Western slopes)
Elevation changes
Geological formations
Overall topography of the mountain
A key discovery: Mount Macedon is an extinct volcano formed approximately 31 million years ago, with dramatically different geology between its Western and Eastern sides.
Technical Development
I've partnered with Charlie Wilson, an aspiring spatial designer and fellow runner, to capture digital elevation models using LiDAR technology. The scanner emits laser pulses and measures their return time after hitting objects, creating precise three-dimensional (3D) maps of the environment.
These 3D models will form the core data for the installation, allowing the creative studio I’ve partnered with to transform raw topographical information into visual art that reveals the mountain's hidden complexity.
This data blew my mind. It gives context to the complexity of the natural world and how everything is interconnected — which isn’t typically front of mind whilst out trail running.
What I've seen on the mountain:
Community Collaboration
This project has naturally attracted collaborators who share my interests: My partner's training for Ultra Trail Australia 100KM, she's hunting elevation more than I am, so I'm happy when we can share the trails together.
It was a pleasure to host Alex Zono for a trail shred one Sunday morning. His story of going all in as a brand-founder inspired my to share more of myself and my creative projects. Expressing your creativity through a commercial medium is courageous as it opens you up to criticism and judgement. Something I’m still learning to do.
Small steps, summit mountains - What’s next?
The next step is beginning the production phase as I'm aiming for a mid-June shoot date.
I’m working through the unknowns; tightening the project scope, the logistics of filming, which runners will be involved, which DoPs are shooting, and defining a run of show for the day(s) on the mountain.
The more time I spend at Macedon, the clearer the vision becomes and the less anxious I feel.
If you’ve got this far, I want to say thank you. Thank you for investing your time into following my creative journey. People like yourself, help creatives like me evolve their practice, in hope that this plants a seed of creativity in your world. To perhaps move with a little more curiosity on your next trail run.
I look forward to sharing more soon.
TRAIL SZN IS NEAR,
Willocks x