Artist Statement:

The word interaction means to affect or influence on another. There is no greater example of interaction beyond the interactions which are naturally occurring. The ephemeral project Compost Fungi aims to explore the interaction between fungi and the ecosystem. Often overlooked, fungi are responsible for breaking down organic matter. Fungi provides carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen to soil, similar to the common elements needed to produce clay. By using unfired clay, a compostable material directly connected to the earth, I was able to create a work that produced no additional waste and will eventually return to the ground where its life can restart.

Description:

Compost Fungi aims to highlight the importance of fungi within the ecosystem. Often overlooked, fungi are responsible for breaking down organic matter. Fungi provide carbon, oxygen and nitrogen to soil, similar to the common elements needed to produce clay. By using unfired clay, a compostable material directly connected to the earth, I was able to create a work which produced no additional waste and will eventually return to the ground where its cycle of life can restart. 

Overall, the inspiration for this project began by reflecting on the amount of organic waste produced in a singular household and frequenting local hiking trails. While frequenting local hiking trails, I began to take note of recurring actions, such as fungi emerging from decomposing trees or emerging from rotting foliage. This ultimately led me to question where else fungi thrive. Upon further research it became clear that fungi were also present in compost, mainly in the form of Mycelium.