Fungi
This is a project developed to provide an environmentally benificial process of art production. The goal is to produce an artistic commodity in which the process of fabrication contributes positively to the environment:
Sawdust from invasive trees cleared in our native reforestation project are inoculated with mycelia from local strains of fungi which I have collect, cloned and domesticated specifically for this purpose. The work is then grown out, fusing the sawdust 'canvas' together. Finally, the mushroom fruits are encouraged to form on the surface, independently defining the composition as response to their environment.
Archival preservation is achieved through an organic, sustainable technology: The final works are dehydrated, and submerged in a molten encaustic medium (beeswax and damar tree sap) within a vacuum chamber. Vacuum is applied, forcing the wax into the fungi on a cellular level. It is removed and after solidification, ready for exhibition.