Challenge 45: Fabulous Fungus

Challenge 45 – May 2010 Host: Betty Warner

Intro:
Fungus is fascinating whether it is in the form of mushrooms at the dining table, mushrooms in the woods, or fungi on dead tree branches found on a hike. Sometimes the edges of what we see are sharp and hard, other times, soft and fuzzy. The lack of brilliant color allows us to focus on the interesting shapes and lines. Those of us who were taught not to pick mushrooms because we did not know which would nourish us and which would poison us bring additional emotion and curiosity to the sighting of any fungus. The damp, earthy smell of the places where we find fungi contrasts with the sometimes elegant, rich, spicy aroma of the stuffed mushrooms we devour.

In addition, fungi have a role in the decomposition of organic matter and in nutrient cycling and exchange. Another fungus, yeast, is used in bread, beer, and soy sauce. Fungi has been used in the production of antibiotics. Enzymes produced from fungi have industrial uses.

In my humble opinion, fungus, though just another plant life, deserves some special attention from us.

Theme: Glorious Fungus

Concept: Abstract/Stylized

Color: Complementary or Split Complementary

Techniques: Artist choice. If you would like a suggestion, embellish or manipulate fabric to show dimension.

References:
Images of fungi:
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/fungi/fungi.html
Or Google, images, “kingdom fungi” for some beautiful results
For more than you ever wanted to know about California Fungi, http://mykoweb.com/
While there take a look at the ‘Mushrooms in Art’ selection where you will see many listings.
Or Google, images, “fungi pictures” for some more beautiful pictures.

Abstract/Stylized Art:
Non-realistic, simplified or exaggerated
If you look in this glossary you will see a simple definition of both Abstract and Stylized. They are both separate and related concepts.
http://www.artsmia.org/world-myths/glossary.html
Here is some info on Abstract art:
http://wwar.com/masters/movements/abstract_art.html
http://www.harley.com/art/abstract-art/index.html
More on Stylized:
The Art Nouveau style has many examples of natural objects stylized for decorative purposes.
http://essentialhumanities.net/s_art_stylnat.html

Complementary or Split Complementary Color Schemes:
http://www.tigercolor.com/color-lab/color-theory/color-harmonies.htm
http://www.color-wheel-pro.com/color-schemes.html

Fungus ART links
http://www.naturalabstraction.com/fungusmed.html
http://tinyurl.com/35smokz
http://tinyurl.com/34wtks4
http://tinyurl.com/3xkt7r2
http://tinyurl.com/3ysw3lx
http://tinyurl.com/37gz3ho
http://tinyurl.com/359kryn

And some art quilts by Sue Reno http://www.suereno.com/thefungus.html