Mushrooms are one of my favorite subjects to explore, both in nature and in paint. The colors, patterns and variety of forms keep me always on the lookout during hikes. And there's an element of magic to them; they seem to occupy a space between plant and animal.

My husband forages for "chicken of the woods" every fall. It's an edible mushroom that tastes like chicken, which I find intriguing. They also look like an explosion frozen in time, and it's that idea that I played with in this painting. It spreads across the canvas with bold color and a backdrop of patterns inspired by polypore mushrooms. A sort of "mushroom on mushroom" pattern experience that adds to the explosion energy.

“Chicken of the Woods - Pink”
40” x 30” x 1.5” Acrylic on canvas
2021