At first, I was attracted to how diverse and strange and beautiful they appeared in the forest – the multitudes of colors and shapes! The feeling of discovering something new was a constant thrill. Knowing that fungi have millions of unknown species and that people like me might find a new mushroom keeps you on your toes.

Then, as I learned more about them, in order to eat them, I learned about mycorrhizal relationships between different fungi and their symbiotic plants and trees. I started to understand which mushrooms grow where, which signifiers to look for, what the weather needs to be for the best conditions and then the biggest part… understanding that luck plays a part.

And when you start to really appreciate them, you find out about all the different ways in which mushrooms and fungi have been used to help humanity. From “magic mushrooms” to other medicinal fungi to the many industries currently being improved by fungi.

Then when I learned about how ancient they were and how we wouldn’t exist without them. It was like discovering something so important and having a secret that you wanted to share with the world. Wondering why in all of my years on this planet did I never know how significant mushrooms were. How they survived 5 mass extinctions, how they came from the sea….

The portal I’d like to open for the world opens up through my artwork. My way of sharing this secret is through my masks and light installations and immersive events. And hopefully soon, through the Museum of Mushrooms.

Ultimately, after years of obsessing over fungi, I found that the metaphors surrounding mushrooms and fungi resonate with my personal purpose in life, which is to be a connector. I also see how imperative it is to support diversity, to protect nature, to create symbiotic relationships through intimacy and authenticity. We are part of nature and we are all connected. Like most people who take magic mushrooms quickly come to realize, we are all one.

I don’t know any self respecting mushroom fanatic that has just one favorite mushroom. I can say the best smelling mushroom is the Chanterelle… the apricot-peachy scent is so sweet and unexpected for a mushroom.

I love Turkey Tails.. visually speaking, the varieties of colors and the ways they grow in huge flushes and the fact that they have medicinal properties to help our immune systems compounds my sense of appreciation for them.

I love most mushrooms with gills, because gill porn is a real thing. There is just something so beautiful about different types of gills.

Chicken of the Woods, Cauliflower fungi, morels and King Boletes are probably my favorite mushrooms to forage and eat.

And although I’ve never found or eaten it myself, I am obsessed with the Lanmaoa asiatica which is the mushroom that when eaten uncooked, opens up a new realm in the fabric of the universe and let’s people see tiny people interacting with the environment. Of course, this perspective is not the popularly accepted explanation, but it is true that people hallucinate the same thing and see hundreds if not thousands of little people every time. I mean… mushrooms are so incredible.

Well, that’s so kind of you to ask. As an artist, I would love to continue creating, inspiring, being inspired and making art and experiences that make people feel something. If you love what I do, buy something from me. Come to one of my events. Hire me to create visuals for you. Tell your friends about me and help me grow the Museum of Mushrooms. Write me, engage with me, let’s expand the human mycelium network.