Friday, November 5, 2010

Mushroom Spore Prints

















When I tried making these prints I was totally amazed at how easy it was. The secret is to use the freshest mushroom caps possible, these were only a few hours old. I collected them in my backyard. Cut off the stem as close as possible without destroying the gills. I used plain computer paper for some and onion skin typing paper for others.  I experimented with tissue paper also, but it was very thin and soaked up too much moisture. The caps are placed gill surface down and covered with a bowl or plastic container for a few hours. If after this time you notice the spore sprint showing white spores, it can quickly be moved to a black piece of paper. The longer they are left under the bowl the darker the print. The last one was left overnight and it has a beautiful rich velvety brown color. I'm hooked and can't wait to make more. I'd like to get a print on tissue to use in my encaustic work. When the wax is applied the tissue disappears and all that is left is the print. A spray fixative has to be applied to the finished prints before using them. I will photograph some of the ones I made on the black mat board and post next time.

1 comment:

  1. Hi Lynn!
    Lovely images! I have included one of your mushroom prints in an article I have just written to help high school art students: http://www.studentartguide.com/articles/inventive-mixed-media-techniques
    Please let me know if this is okay - if not, I will delete immediately.
    Best wishes!
    Amiria

    ReplyDelete