Continuing series: The Mushroom Managerie

ceramic sculpture

This project began as I declared 2023 to be my personal

"Year of the Mushroom". —Wendy Bale

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artist statement

MUSHROOM MENAGERIE

AUDUBON COMMUNITY NATURE CENTER | OPENS APRIL 20, 2024

I made two wishes during an innocent walk in the forest. I had stumbled upon a tall, leaning hemlock hosting dozens of colorful shiny mushrooms. “I wish I knew what these are—I need to learn more about mushrooms,’ I thought.  The texture was so glossy and smooth, “I wish I could replicate them in ceramic.”

These two simultaneous notions on that walk sent me down the path resulting in The Mushroom Menagerie.

Mushrooms are having a moment in popular culture, so there is information everywhere. I went down the rabbit hole hard, trying to learn what I could about fungi.

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My second wish came true when Pearl City Clay House opened in late 2022 and I had the opportunity to revisit a long-forgotten medium. While I re-familiarized myself with clay, this project became a bit of a sampler using various hand-building techniques, textures, and finishes.

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The collection is now on display at ACNC, with hopes to find another venue to put this exhibition late summer or fall of 2024. Inquiries welcome.