This is an updated project proposal from the midterm for my Parsons Hybrid Worlds class.

1. Nano.Bio + Art
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Mycotechnology:
The Fungi Kingdom and chris crews
PhD student | Political Theory
Natural Technology New School for Social Research

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Abstract
This project seeks to bring emerging practices in the field of
mycotechnology together with experimental art design to create
an edible and ecologically friendly bioart project.
The basic outline for this proposal involves creating a series of
sculptures which can serve as a simple scaffolding in which
inoculated mushroom spawn can colonize and fruit.
The primary sculpture materials to be used are recycled,
corrugated cardboard, used coffee grounds and natural burlap
bags. These three materials will serve as the primary substrate
into which the inoculated spawn will be added and grown.
The entire process will be documented and, if possible, will
include a gourmet meal featuring the grown mushrooms.

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Concept
Show how urban ecology--here using
mushrooms (ie.mycotechnology)--can help
to divert waste materials not only from trash
but also from recycling.
Demonstrate a simple method of waste
reduction that anyone can reproduce.
Explore how mushrooms function as a
hybrid species that have multiple interfaces
into our daily lives: art, science, medicine,
food, ecology, spirituality.

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Social Context
We eat mushrooms, use them for medicine, experiment with
them in labs, ingest them for ritual and spiritual purposes, and
honor them in word and image.
Fungi plays a critical role in the world by helping to break down
organic materials, toxins and essential minerals not readily
available otherwise in the natural environment.
Stunt Kid – Mushrooms & maggots Phil Ross – Pure Culture Aztec Flower God Xochipilli

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Applied Mycotechnology
Mycotechnology is an emerging field which focuses on
ecological restoration, often tied in with the ideas of
permaculture. Some mycotechnology examples include:
Mycorestoration: Using mushrooms to rebuild depleted soils,
break down industrial toxins and support natural ecosystems.
Mycoforestry: Using mushrooms to rebuild forest soils, stop
erosion and soil slippage, and establish symbiotic soil networks.
Mycoremediation: Using mushrooms to rebuild soil mass,
nutrient networks and re-establish an optimal soil structure.

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Mushrooms – As Easy as ABC
It doesn't matter if it is an old laundry basket, a mini greenhouse
or just a plate on the kitchen counter, growing mushrooms indoors
is fun, easy and even helps the environment.

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From Waste to BioArt
This project involved three main stages:
1) Substrate and Materials Setup
➢ Collecting cardboard/paper, coffee grounds and burlap
➢ Ordering mushroom spawn and lab supplies
Cardboard/paper waste Used coffee grounds Burlap bag materials

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Designing with Waste
2) Spawning and Sculpture Design
➢ Sketches for sculpture and timeline for spawning/fruiting
➢ Mushroom spawning stage initiated

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The Rebirth of Waste
3) Fruiting and Hybridization
➢ Initiating mushroom pinning and fruiting
➢ Merging living mushrooms and created art together
+ =
Russell the Texas (Cube) Bear, a
similar project using bioart.

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Conclusion
Mushrooms are a fascinating species, in part, because of how
little we understand about them in relation to their proliferation
around the world. Whether in art or food, medicine or ritual,
forest decomposition or toxic waste recovery, mushrooms find a
way to thrive and multiply in almost any environment.
The many benefits which mycotechnology has demonstrated, as
well as the many new uses still being developed and studied,
suggests that mushrooms have a potential to radically change
our world and our technology if we approach them properly.
In order to fully appreciate the power of the Fungi Kingdom, we
need to adopt a “mecelial perspective” of the world and its vast
interconnections, or what Paul Stamets calls the natural Internet.

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References
Deacon, Jim. Fungal Biology. Oxford: Blackwell. 2006.
Lincoff, Gary H. Field Guide to North American Mushrooms.
New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 1981.
Mycotechnology. <http://www.fungi.com/mycotech/index.html>.
Stamets, Paul and J.S. Chilton. A Practical Guide to Growing
Mushrooms at Home. Olympia: Agarikon Press. 1983.
Stamets, Paul. Growing Gourmet and Medicinal Mushrooms.
Berkeley: Ten Speed Press. 2000.
Stamets, Paul. Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help
Save the World. Berkeley: Ten Speed Press. 2005.
Shroomery. Mushroom Growers Forum. 3.25.2010.
<http://www.shroomery.org/4/Grow-Mushrooms>.