MUSHROOM MADNESS
What is mushroom madness?
I have created a series of mixed media paintings all based on mushrooms from around the world. Some of these mushrooms are personified based on scientific characteristics or simple folklore stories from the regions they are grown in: while some are regular illustrative renditions of interesting mushrooms. For this project I've researched different mushrooms and their origins for the purpose of eventually creating a t-shirt design company focused on wacky fungi.
Rhodotus Palmatus
Cantharellus
Coprinopsis atramentaria, also known as inky caps get their nickname for the simple fact that eventually throughout their lifecycle they begin secreting black inky like liquid. These mushrooms are also used in combating alcohol addiction. They are said to become poisonous when mixed with alcohol. You should avoid eating these mushrooms if you've had alcohol within three days prior.
Amanita Muscaria
Pleurotus Eryngii also known as a king trumpet mushroom are rich with health improving nutrients and natural antioxidants. Theyre known as king trumpet because of their trumpet like cap and their status as largest of the oyster mushrooms dubbing them king. They have shown to lower risks of high cholesterol, various cancers, weight loss and even bone health.
Auricularia Auricula-judae
Laccaria amethystina
Mycena Acicula
Reishi is often used in traditional Chinese medicine, sometimes referred to as the “three treasure” herb. The three treasures refer to spirit , energy, and life force working in harmony creating symbols of divine power. This mushroom is also known to symbolize things such as longevity, success, well-being all stemming from the Chinese name “Ling Zhi” meaning Divine Fungus.
Pleurotus Ostreatus
Shiitake mushrooms are native to East Asia and are said to have numerous health benefits. In Chinese medicine they are thought to reduce inflammation, improve health and longevity all while improving your ciricilurtory system. These mushrooms also contain many amino acids, including but not limited to: isoleucine, lysine, methionine, cysteine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, arginine, histidine, alanine and glutamic acid. Essentially shiitake mushrooms are a super food for health related reasons.
Mycena Chlorophos
Entoloma Hochstetteri
Maitake mushrooms are often referred to as “the dancing mushrooms” or sometimes “hen of the woods.” The name “the dancing mushrooms” stems from an old tale where a group of buddhists stumbled upon a fruiting bundle of maitake mushrooms and began dancing with joy. The other name hen of the woods is derived from its visual aspects: in some cases it really looks like a fluffy chicken at the base of a tree.
Gymnopilus junonius or “Big Laughing Jim” has subspecies that are a part of the funky family of mushrooms, as I like to call them. These shrooms contain the hallucinogen psilocybin deeming them toxic in some scientists eyes. From other scientist perspectives these mushrooms can be used in treating PTSD, depression, and many other mental health disorders, not for recreational use.