Naturally dyed fiber with rabbit brush and indigo, at least 6 species of ascomycetes

(dimensions: 12” x 8”)

This piece began as a prototype for remediation pillows. Organic linen was naturally dyed, quilted, embroidered and sewn, then filled with hardwood sawdust and Pleurotus ostreatus mycelium. The work was set inside a humid chamber. After two days, mycelium began developing on the surface, the development of mycelium never stopped – however the growing mycelium was apparently not the targeted Pleurotus. Over the course of three months, up to six different species of ascomycetes grew and developed. Known genera: Trichoderma sp., Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., Neurospora crassa.

Starting as a test, and technically a complete failure, “Numinous Decay” became one of my greatest teachers. In this piece the work itself became “contaminated” with other species of fungi, so much so that the targeted species of Pleurotus ostreatus was unable to grow. These living materials are multi-species interactions that live lives and ultimately, I am not in control. The loss of my own control with this work was a humbling parable about my role as a human and as a creator. I learned that I must be open to whatever happens, understanding the implications of my own actions, as I am creating habitats that are ripe for any microbial life to want to live and die in. When I fail at sterility, multitudes abound.