Spending time in the ocean is more than a hobby for Erin Coates. 

The Perth-based visual artist is also a citizen scientist, documenting her observations while diving and sharing the locations of sea creatures with marine biologists. 

Her fascination with marine life comes to life in artwork commissioned for lifts in the new children's hospital buildings at Randwick. 

"I was one of those kids who was curious about everything – especially nature, the ocean and animals. I wanted to create works that would inspire a sense of wonder and discovery," said Erin.

One of her designs, titled Zones of the Ocean, takes lift users on a journey down into the ocean’s depths and back up into the sunlit zone, showcasing the incredible marine life found along the way. 

"I created the images using an ink pen, then digitised and arranged them into a large cross-section of the ocean and seabed, also featuring fossilised ammonites, a megalodon skeleton and buried pirate chests," Erin explained. 

"The imagery is intended to spark curiosity and a sense of ‘treasure hunting’ – encouraging people to find hidden details within the vast ocean scene."

Her second design for the Randwick project, titled Ocean Spectrum, offers an alternative perspective, focusing on the intricate details, colours and textures found within Australia's marine ecosystems. 

"To create this piece, I compiled hundreds of my underwater photographs into a vibrant submerged landscape," said Erin.

"It is designed to transport lift users into a colourful universe of marine flora and fauna, celebrating the incredible biodiversity of Australian coastal waters – particularly in the intertidal epipelagic zone," she said.

The captivating work aligns with the drawing, film and sculpture projects Erin Coates is known for, as well as a deep-rooted passion for the ocean passed down through her family. 

"Recently, I’ve been exploring marine ecology and my own family’s connection to the ocean," she explained. 

"I have a background in freediving and scuba diving, and my dad was a professional shell diver, so I grew up spending a lot of time in the water and on boats," said Erin.

Erin Coates is among nearly a dozen artists commissioned to create original works for the lifts in the new hospital buildings at Randwick and Westmead. 

The artwork has been curated as part of the Arts, Play and Discovery program.