Shelf Mushroom- Pacific Tree Frog
Original Artwork hand burned on a dried 'polypore mushroom'
Polypore mushrooms:
You may know them as "shelf mushrooms", "bracket fungus", "Artist Conks" or another common name.
These are naturally growing fungal bodies that are found on dead and decomposing trees. There are a few different species used, and they are all naturally and sustainably harvested by hand- by Jaydlyn- from her surrounding Kootenay area. Collecting these fruiting bodies does no harm to the organism or it's mycelium- that of which is actually a decomposer: so it will be actively breaking down any tree's it's found on.
The soft underside of these fruiting fungi when dry create a beautiful natural canvas for me to burn on, and they sit nicely on top of a shelf with no stands needed.
These are incredibly unique pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind; as the mushrooms themselves are incredibly unique in nature, as this is not a common art practice.
The Deets:
This mushroom canvas features a pacific tree frog. I was absolutely delighted to discover these frogs lived in the area- yet again the West Kootenays showing it's superiority over the East Kootenays with it's awesome plants and animals.
I was actually out taking a photo of one of my pieces and I just happened to glance at a nearby branch- woe and behold- a little frog watching me work. I have to wonder how many of these I've not noticed hanging around while I'm out there.
Much to my delight one of these came and visited me- living in the plant pot on my deck for a few days. I named him "Fernantoad" - I do realize he is not a toad, but you know I'm not one to resist a pun of any sort. Fernantoad eventually moved on- Probably due to the harrassment he received from me oggling at him while he was here. I have attached a photo of Fernantoad :)
The mushroom used as a canvas is A "Red-belted conk" or 'Fomitopsis mounceae'.
These polypore mushrooms actually have a little natural border along the outer edge, it's usually about half a cm or less thick, and a different texture than the inner fleshy parts: firmer and more pronounced- I try to leave these borders natural, as I think it adds to the uniqueness of how that mushroom in particular decided to grow. So the inconsistency you see in the border is actually the mushrooms natural border.
This piece comes with a bit of the tree bark where it was growing attached to the bottom.
- 2.5" x 2" across the image area
- 1.75" tall
- 3.5" x 2" across bottom base
- Weight: 23g
- Naturally grown polypore mushroom
- *NOT* Affixed with hanging hardware or standing hardware- Sits on it's own base on a shelf.
- Certificate of authentication
Each piece is unique and a one of a kind original creation by Jaydlyn Joan.