If you were to describe the works of American artists Mei-Ling Hom and David McClelland as tasty, they’d probably be pretty chuffed.
What they create are sculptural artforms that will also grow edible oyster mushrooms. They are works that aim to awaken all of the senses.
The pair form a team called Art2Grow and spend half a year on their farm in western New York growing garlic, apples, potatoes and mushrooms. The oher half is spent working in their Philadelphia studio or traveling to art residences around the world.
On Saturday, February 10, they will host a workshop focusing on their biodegradable works at the BigCi, Bilpin.
The sculptures make use of a hessian and straw structure, which provides the perfect environment for mushrooms spores to grow.
As they develop, and the sculpture is broken down, it then becomes a nutrient dense soil, an element that excites Hawkesbury Regional Gallery director Kath von Witt.
“While using the power of fungi to enrich the soil, we are also creating a visually beautiful sculpture that enhances the life of the garden and along the way will provide a tasty meal or two,” she says.
The edible and visual workshop will run from 10am to 3pm at Bilpin Ground for Creative Initiatives, 82 Hanlons Road North, Bilpin.
It costs $85, which includes all materials, morning tea, coffee and snacks.
