FOREST
for–––– rest

   

 




Teaser of the 2019 Demo Version

About 



Created by artist/animator Kelsey Boncato and sound artist/composer Daniel Oldham, FOREST is a series of interwoven sound sculptures mixed in spatial audio and arranged into a unicursal labyrinth offering a virtual space for reflection, movement, and being. 


While in the experience, viewers move freely inside and around sculptural forms as they follow an auditory trail deeper into a gentle, dream-like environment.

Combining art and music, the gentle experience feels “open, contemplative and freeing.”


Viewers have described FOREST as similar to an altered state of consciousness, while others have compared it to forest bathing or musical meditation. 

It’s newest updated version now in the Meta Quest 3 was demoed at UCLA’s XR Summit in 2024. 











“I felt as if time didn't exist - I was able to experience wonder, curiosity, and just be fully present in the moment. I felt peace and there were times I wanted to release and cry but I didn't wanted to fog the goggles. I went to my inner sanctuary and got the full experience of true timelessness. I feel like it is another alternative for people who want to meditate in a more experiential way.” - Lauren



“Emotionally & mentally went to the calm and wonder I felt with visual memories representing Alice in Wonderland, Avatar and walking in a forest. As a nurse, I can tell you that this has the power to envoke the emotions and feelings that perhaps some are not easily able to process. Healthcare workers are burning out and we need more healing spaces + moments like this to be able to disconnect from the whirlwind of stress and RE-connect with something meaningful.” - Janar



“[I went] somewhere beyond the trees, into the unknown, facing my fears with curious and adventurous spirit.” - Michelle



“I instantly imagined myself in a parallel world where the world just looked like that. I pictured myself as a micro creature floating around, with empty mind. I felt relaxed, open, and free. I was curious to explore and interact with the surround. I enjoyed the spatial and temporal transition led by music.” - Siyou



“I really enjoyed the sound design - not sure what the bpm was, but felt like it could also help someone get into a flow state for work.” - Joy



“It was an afternoon retreat from reality. I’d love to have creative and neurodiverse family members and friends experience this - I think they would be delighted by it.” - Brian



“There's a beautiful minimalism and space to the visuals and the music... and a welcome balance to some elements being in and out of your control. Very true to a dream-like experience.” - Kas 


“The meditative effect of one’s own movements in connection with sound design and depictions of nature is overwhelming and lastingly impressive.” - Jury from VRHAM!, Best Virtual Reality Experience Award



“...You begin to understand the world and in that moment everything changes, bringing me to the realization that when we think we have everything figured out, the rules will change. This experience separated the superego and ego and humbles the user to understand their place in a microcosm of the real world. Projects like these allowed viewers to hold a piece of the art, to be included with it and with the viewer in mind rather than the traditional outside looking in.” - Jordan at Jungle  


“With this type of experience, virtual reality could therefore provide users with a sort of refuge, allowing them for a time to isolate themselves from the world in order to recharge their batteries.” - Orian at Lien Multimedia













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