Mushroom Masterpieces: The Innovative World of Bonsai Fungi Art

Today we interview anonymous bonsai fungi artist @bonsaifungi and learn about the creative process behind this innovative practice.

May 10, 2023

When we hear the word "bonsai," many of us are transported back to the 80s and 90s, recalling the iconic scenes of Mr. Miyagi and The Karate Kid.

For centuries, bonsai has held a significant place in the world of art, with its intricate cultivation techniques and delicate balance of patience and persistence.

Today, we're excited to explore a fresh and innovative take on this timeless art form – bonsai fungi.

By combining the cultivation of mushrooms with the artistic principles of bonsai, this anonymous artist breathes new life into the tradition, all while presenting their creations in unique and eye-catching containers.

Let’s delve into the creative process behind this fascinating fusion of art forms and uncover the inspiration that drives it.

Exploring the Techniques and Inspiration Behind Bonsai Fungi

How did you get started?

I've always been fascinated by mushrooms. I started growing them after reading about all the edible species that were unavailable at my local grocery store.

The transition to growing mushrooms as art was born out of limitations in space and a desire to disprove misinformation about the conditions required for cultivation.

It's more effective to demonstrate mushrooms growing from an old shoe than to try to convince someone using words that sterility is more critical in some parts of the cultivation process than others.

How do you feel anonymity impacts your art and creative process?

Anonymity is a beautiful thing. By working anonymously, I separate myself from the art. I have no desire to be known, and the separation allows me to participate in civil disobedience with my art when I choose to.

I would much rather model my process on Banksy rather than Andy Warhol. Warhol was heavily influenced by his quest for fame and social validation; Banksy's art is often in direct defiance of the law and is heavily dependent on his/her/their anonymity.

Can you discuss the role of experimentation in your approach to cultivating bonsai fungi? Are there any memorable experiments that led to surprising or unique outcomes?

I do love a challenge when I am designing my grows. At this point, it's hard to look at an object without considering how I would go about growing mushrooms from it.

For a while, I was super curious about how small of a container I could produce mushrooms out of with the species I was growing most at the time. I went from a shot-glass to a tic-tac container, then a plastic bottle cap, and even a thimble.

Eventually, with the help of selectively breeding the fungus from generation to generation, I was able to produce a mushroom from a container that was barely bigger than a couple of grains of rice, but it was too small to photograph with the iPhone I use for my photography, and I moved on to other pursuits.

What are some of your favorite mushroom species to work with, and why? How does the choice of species influence the overall aesthetic of your bonsai fungi art?

Sometimes, I start with a species I want to grow and then select a container that matches the characteristics of that species; other times, I start with the container and choose the species based on what will most likely achieve the desired appearance.

I wouldn't say I have a favourite species, but some species are more appropriate in some situations than others. The most technically challenging species I've worked with is Mycena chlorophos. It is both challenging to cultivate and photograph with the resources I have available.

In what ways do you think your bonsai fungi art challenges conventional expectations of both bonsai and mushroom cultivation?

There are well-established methods of mushroom cultivation that vary slightly between different species.

Everything I do in my art is based on the knowledge and lessons learned by the cultivators who came before me, but with the understanding that mushrooms are beautiful and there are no wrong ways to grow mushrooms.

I will never be content with farming mushrooms as a crop, where maximum yields and efficiency are the goals. For me, the real value is in pushing the limits and showing off what is possible.

Can you describe the most rewarding aspects of creating and sharing your bonsai fungi art with your online community?

I find it incredibly rewarding to have received so many messages from people inspired by the grows I've done. Some people have told me they were inspired to take the leap and try growing their own mushrooms; others were inspired to branch out and grow in new and exciting ways.

I feel that a lot of people follow the instructions of mushroom growers who came before them and continue to repeat the process they are familiar with for consistent results.

There is something profoundly beautiful to me about abandoning the practical methods of growing mushrooms in bulk to apply their knowledge of cultivation to something entirely new.

Have there been any particularly memorable reactions or interactions from your followers that have encouraged or inspired you in your work?

Multiple tattoo artists have reached out to show off some of the flashes and tattoos they designed, which were inspired by my art. That people would be willing to have designs inspired by my work permanently tattooed on their bodies was profoundly moving for me.

One of the tattoos I saw a photo of has inspired me to do a new grow based on their tattoo, so the circle of art inspiring art continues to turn.

How do you approach the creative process of selecting and pairing containers with the mushrooms you cultivate? Are there specific visual or functional aspects you prioritize?

Size is a significant factor in the containers I use. The space I have available for cultivation of the art and the area I have available for photography are both small enough to be significant limiting factors.

If I attempted to grow from a full-sized guitar, for example, I would have nowhere suitable to colonize, fruit, or photograph the grow.

Are there any other art forms or creative outlets that you feel have influenced or contributed to your bonsai fungi art?

As you might have guessed, growing from small containers, as one of the staples of my style, was primarily influenced by the art of traditional bonsai.

I work over a much shorter timeframe of months, whereas traditional bonsai artists can spend years, decades, and even generations meticulously caring for the plants that grow into beautiful works of art.

What future developments or projects can your followers expect from your bonsai fungi art?

I've begun working on a transition to more long-form video-based content. The intention will be to have a series of videos that take the viewer along with me on the journey of making some mushroom art from start to finish, along with some other supplementary videos on related topics like the history of mushroom bonsai, the difference between sterilization and pasteurization, and the lifecycle of mushroom-producing fungi.

Capturing Transient Beauty: The Everlasting Appeal of Bonsai Fungi Art

The anonymous artist behind this unique art form pushes the boundaries of both practices, creating stunning and thought-provoking pieces that challenge conventional expectations. By prioritizing experimentation and artistic expression over mass production, they inspire others to explore the limitless possibilities of combining art and nature.

As the artist continues to innovate and share their captivating creations, we look forward to witnessing the continued evolution of this art form and can't wait to see what new wonders our talented artist will bring to life.

You can see more of their work @bonsaifungi

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