Mushroom Study in Burnt Umber

This autumn, some fungi growing in the woods behind our house caught my attention. Unlike the dying vegetation surrounding them, these mushrooms seemed to be thriving in the midst of decay. Fungi are supported by deep underground root systems that are invisible but vital to their survival. Even when they disappear above ground, mushrooms can survive dormant until reemerging when the conditions are right. The resiliency of mushrooms seemed to me to showcase the interconnectedness of both light and dark in our beautiful, complex world. They quietly remind us that even when the darkness seems overwhelming, the potential for renewal is always latent. 

My fascination with this delicate balance of contradictions led me to create the "Woodland Tapestry" collection of mushroom portraits. Each piece is richly layered, both texturally (with collage, watercolor, ink, and textiles) and historically (with mats covered by fabric reproductions of William Morris & Co. designs from the late nineteenth century). Framed in sleek warm walnut, these works would fit well in both modern and traditional settings by offering dimension, interest, and handcrafted elegance.                                                                                                                         

I hope that the pieces in this collection impart beauty and depth to your space and invite you to pay closer attention to the intricate but often overlooked networks of meaning present all around us. 

Unframed dimensions: 5x7 inches

Collage, watercolor, and ink on 100% cotton paper

Initialed on front, signed on back

Mats handwrapped in fabric with design inspired by William Morris & Co. patterns

Framed to 8x10 inches in a rounded-edge walnut frame with glass