The finding of a species of underwater mushroom has inspired this body of work titled: Mushroom Aquatic and will open as a solo exhibition with the Palo Alto City Library on June 1st, 2023. 

 

"Until recently, conventional wisdom held that gilled mushrooms did not exist underwater. In 2005, a Psathyrella, a new species was discovered in the clear, flowing, pristine waters of the Rogue River near Crater Lake, Oregon. This discovery opens up a new branch of aquatic mycology, and raises many questions. How many other mushroom species grow underwater?" -Mycelium Running 

 

The painting palette is botanical, made up of fruits, flowers, spices, roots, mushrooms and other organic materials. The use of mycelium is primary in each dimensional painting. The use of mycelium has been either grown to the paper or grown to a seashell before application. Principles found in ikebana inform the layout and design of each piece. Click on the image to learn more about the materials recipe for each piece.