Reishi mycelium (Australian native Ganoderma steyaertanum)
and agar on paper, ink and wood.
30 x 42 cm
Fungal mycelium is a prolific material metaphor in my art practice, as a poetic allegory of interconnection, as well as a tangible growing material in my studio. Usually hidden from sight underground, the webbed networks of mycelium in soil connect tree roots, sharing water, nutrients, sugar, and sending electrical signals to communicate. When walking slowly and mindfully, I imaginatively feel into the mycelium under my feet, with each step, gradually reaching into deeper understandings about being inextricably entangled within the growth, death and renewal cycles of life. I conjure these felt connections when drawing, visualising the mycelium underground. Each stage is meditative, extending from within the body and mind, out into the world, moving from the intimate into larger cycles of impermanence, compassion and interconnection. In my studio, I co-create with mycelium in playful experiments. By combining different found materials, then watching the mycelium feel its way – growing over and into the assemblage – forming inter-species relationships. When working with Reishi (Ganoderma steyaertanum) nicknamed the ‘Zen mushroom’, I connect with the history of growing, harvesting and drinking this mushroom, as a traditional medicinal tea to calm the mind and revitalise the body. This resonates with my Buddhist mindfulness practices and can be sensed in the quiet energy and intriguing tactility of these works; drawing the viewer into feeling more interconnected with their surroundings and the lively matter-flows of the Earth.