Fantastic Fungi

sarah816202
Nov 11
2 min read

Our planet is truly remarkable. We share it with a fascinating species that we may only see at certain times of the year, and in certain places, they are closer to animals than plants. Underground, this group of organisms can have an extensive network of mycelia, a key to their survival perhaps. They demonstrate a powerful mix of danger and benefits for us.

Hazy blurred green background, foreground two large red capped mushrooms dotted with white, on white stems sitting among green moss fronds — Fly agaric mushroom well known, traditionally used as an insecticide. 20cm across 30cm tall. Photo by Ivan Kmit. Source Alamy stock

Some 350 different species are edible, from truffles to fungi in Quorn, marmite or cheese. 216 are hallucinogenic. Some are used for lifesaving, such as penicillin, and others are selected to produce drugs to lower cholesterol, while others cause deadly diseases.

Blurred pink background, foreground shows fronds with multiple fingers of light green with multiple nodules towards their ends. Two of the finger-like fronds are in the the main frame in focus with another, slightly blurred one in the background — Microscopic image of Penicillium, a genus of 354 species, a group of ascomycetous fungi. Pixabay

Other species can break down plastics in weeks, and yet others still produce itaconic acid for plastics, rubber and Lego. Not forgetting those that can generate biofuels and eco-friendly materials.

Still yet to be determined are unknown species, referred to as the "dark taxa" proving fungi are the most extraordinary and mysterious life forms.

Art inspiration;

🎨 Study a species of fungus or fungi and draw a realistic artwork

🎨 Look online or in nature at the various shapes, structures & sizes of fungi; they’re vast and interesting, make into a dreamscape or fusion of fungi, using authentic colours or of your choice

🎨Try printing with mushrooms, using the cap underside down with the gills and cut in half with the stem attached

🎨Create some Fun-gi characters, give them personalities

🎨 Maybe draw a magical fantasy mushroom scene with a castle, lanterns and fairy folk

🎨 You may wish to focus on the many uses of Fungi in medicine (Sir Alexander Fleming – Penicillium), food and industry and sketch some of those.

Forest floor background with ivy leaves. Large pale capped mushroom with stalk, centre with eyes on the cap, closed, tears forming. Mouth, lips parted slightly on the edge of the lower cap and 2 arms emerging from the upper stalk. one on the stalk and the other wiping away a tear — 'Mindful Mushroom' by Seana Gavin. Shown in an exhibition, The Magic of Mushrooms, art, design and future of fungi, Jan-Apr 2020 The Guardian

This will be an intriguing evening delving into the world of fungi, as each is so widely different and they occupy everywhere! There are special events set up each year to celebrate the diversity of fungi across the world!

It will be a great evening of creativity! See you all soon, Wednesday evening, 7:30 pm UK time. Please join us on link-tree select All4Art https://linktr.ee/all4inclusion