Mushroom Paper

I discovered mushroom papermaking at the New Jersey Mycological Society’s annual Fungus Fair.  As an artist, I knew I stumbled upon a medium and material that had extraordinary potential.  It embodied my passion for art and mycology, and soon became my chosen canvas.   Mushroom-based paper is characterized by chitin, a fibrous substance consisting of amino polysaccharide polymers, making up the cell walls of fungi.  Although a niche craft, it is worthy of scientific inquiry, as we have yet to understand the archival, medicinal, biochemical and biodegradable properties of mushrooms in paper-form.   Below are precious paperworks made in collaboration with the forest, experimenting with cut-collage and unique inclusions like charcoal, algae, blood, bills, foraged and conductive materials.