Sound Edition SUVs Launch New Ford Collection
I was very young when I first experienced synaesthesia — although I didn’t know that’s what it was at the time. I remember lying on a sofa in complete silence, hearing the pulse of my own heart. Colours began to appear in unison with the rhythm, shifting and changing before my eyes.
Now, at this stage in my life, I know that what I have is a form of synaesthesia where I see colours when I hear sounds. Other people experience it differently, but for me, it’s the foundation of my art.
Over the years, I’ve had countless messages from people with synaesthesia telling me how they use it in their own creative work — from painting and quilt-making to scent-based art and poetry. I believe that if you focus on mastering your craft, techniques, and personal style, synaesthesia can ignite your creativity and take you to places you never imagined. That’s exactly how I use it in my paintings.
When Ford approached me to paint the Kuga1 and Puma2 Sound Editions, I was instantly excited. I’d never done anything like it before, and I’m always looking for challenges that push me to grow as an artist. Painting a car has been a dream of mine since I first saw the vehicles Keith Haring painted as a teenager. I’ve always believed that every surface can be a canvas — you just need to know which paint to use.
“I've always believed any surface can be a canvas - you just need to know which paint to use”Jack Coulter, artist
For me, cars and music are inseparable. Music is my world — I listen for hours every day. It lifts me, calms me, and inspires me. I have vivid memories of childhood road trips, listening to Sinéad O’Connor, The Pogues, and the Spice Girls. Now, with my wife Laura, it’s 80s hits, 90s hip-hop, and Taylor Swift blasting through the speakers.
Music in the car is formative. It shapes memories at every stage of life. And for me, stepping out of a car after listening to music often sparks the urge to paint.
On the day of the shoot, I wanted to embrace the unknown and let instinct guide me. I didn’t know exactly what to expect — and that’s when the best work happens. When the live musicians began playing, I was completely floored. The emotion hit me instantly, and I felt driven to paint without hesitation. The varying tempos influenced how I approached different sections of each car, and rare colours emerged that I’d never mixed before.
“When the live musicians began playing, I was completely floored. The emotion hit me instantly, and I felt driven to paint without hesitation.”Jack Coulter, artist
I became so absorbed in painting that I forgot the crew was even there. I was in my own world, responding to the music in real time. Afterwards, there was a nice moment when the entire crew gathered around the cars, pointing out details and discussing the work. It was rewarding to see that the rawness and uniqueness of the process had come through.
I couldn’t choose a favourite between the two cars — I was proud of both. But my favourite part was the uniqueness of the project. It hadn’t been done before, and I think we all felt that it needed to be perfect and imperfect at the same time. I never want anything I create to be mediocre. I treat every project like it’s the last thing I’ll ever do. And I’ll always be proud of this collaboration with Ford.
Jack Coulter is an Irish synaesthete artist
1 Kuga Hybrid homologated CO2 emissions 121-146 g/km and homologated fuel efficiency 5.3-6.4 l/100 km WLTP.
Kuga 1.5-litre EcoBoost Hybrid homologated CO2 emissions 144-178 g/km and homologated fuel efficiency 6.3-7.8 l/100 km WLTP.
Kuga Plug-In Hybrid homologated CO2 emissions and homologated fuel efficiency will be published close to on sale date.
The declared WLTP fuel/energy consumptions, CO2-emissions and electric range are determined according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EU) 2017/1151 as last amended. The applied standard test procedures enable comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers.
2 Puma EcoBoost Hybrid CO2 emissions 122-146 g/km and fuel efficiency 5.46.5 l/100 km WLTP.
3Up to 376 km driving range based on full charge of Puma Gen-E. Estimated range using Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Figures shown are for comparability purposes and should only be compared with other vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. Actual range varies due to factors such as temperature, driving behaviour, route profile, vehicle maintenance, lithium-ion battery age and condition.
