24 January 2024

​Experiments from previous years - both biological and electronic - have accumulated and some of these have provided inspiration for new work, as is typical of practice-led research (PLR).

Here large-scale crochet made from cotton tubular gauze, created linear textures that formed connections in my mind with mycelial networks and nodes.
​
They could provide the underlying structure for mycelial growth.

​Mycelium grows best when damp, so experiments in crocheted plastic yielded interesting results. as the mycelium grew around and over the plastic to integrate the plastic crochet network into the mycelial network.

​Fine plastic gauze tubing was stuffed with pasteurized straw substrate, and then the amorphous stuffed tube was defined and structured using the thicker plastic. Cotton tubular gauze containing galvanized wire also provided rigidity and the ability to shape the form into a more organic chrysalis.

In addition, a hollow core was set up using a recycled bottle. This will provide a waterproof structure to house anticipated electronic components.

​The straw substrate had mycelial spawn (Pleurotus ostreatus) inserted during the crochet process. This construction process needed to happen in a very clean environment with all implements, surfaces, and hands sanitized with 70% alcohol spray.

The next step is to wrap the chrysalis in thick black plastic and hang it in a cool place for a few weeks to colonize.