In Japan, the formal practice of Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing, emerged in the 1980’s and has continued to be researched and practiced as a physical and mental therapy tool. Forest bathing consists simply of spending time with a forest, sitting, breathing in forest air, using each of the senses to experience a forest.

Research has shown that forest bathing can reduce stress hormones, reduce blood glucose and pressure, increase the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system (which helps the body rest and recover), reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system (which is responsible for the fight-or-flight response), increase the activity of natural killer cells, (immune cells that defend the body against bacteria, viruses, and tumors), and even increase energy, creativity, concentration, and memory.

What has the greatest effect are the scents given off by trees, volatile compounds called phytoncides. The chemical components of phytoncides have been identified with gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME). This analysis was then combined with subjective experience to create the forest scent in this piece.

Mycelium makes up the forest beneath the forest. They are the unseen root-like parts of mushrooms, branching vein structures that move through soils. Mycelium acts like networks in forests, bringing nutrition to fruiting mushrooms, and communicating danger as it arises. Trees, having a symbiotic relationship with mycelium, rely on them for the same-- too pass along resources and communicate with each other.

Mycelium are natural decomposers, breaking down organic material and even rocks, removing chemicals and toxins from the ground, a process called bioremediation. Research has demonstrated that mycelium can even break down petroleum spills.

The “mind” of mycelium lies within its entire structure, so if one part of it is fractured, it can find itself and reconnect again, making them extremely resilient. In recent years, artists and designers have been exploring mycelium as a material resource not only because of their strength and durability, but also because of their compostability. It is this sustainable nature that makes mycelium an ideal alternative to styrofoam and plastics in a multitude of applications.

Each object was grown from the mycelium of blue oyster mushrooms. Mycelium bags were broken up and put into molds where they grew until filling each form. Once ready to flower, the blocks were baked to stop growth and solidify the shapes. From this point, each form was combined with scented wax and preserved with resin. Each cube represents a part of the overall forest scent and is individually scented with differing components.

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