Lion’s Mane

Mushrooms are amazing organisms that act as nature’s own recycling enthusiasts by consuming rotten or decayed plants, cleansing the soil as they go along and helping other plants find phosphorous, which is needed for growth. The rather unusual looking Lion’s Mane mushroom is full of goodness and has been used for medicinal and nutritional purposes for thousands of years. The sculpture is made of glass and charred wood and has been created as an accolade for both mushrooms and the forest ecosystems that sustain them.

Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus), also known as Yamabushitake, is an edible fungus that grows in the forests of Asia, North America and Europe. The mushroom consists of long, shaggy spines that are layered on top of each other. This rather adorable looking mushroom is full of goodness, and it has been used for medicinal and nutritional purposes for thousands of years. In traditional Chinese medicine, lion's mane has been used to improve a patient’s strength and stamina, as well as assisting digestive problems, whereas in Chinese cuisine it continues to be used as a delicious substitute for meat. Lion's mane is rich in protein and vitamin B12, which cannot be found in foods that are derived from plants, making it useful for vegetarians to supplement their diet. Studies show that lion’s mane appears to boost mental functioning, and may even help in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and various mental health problems, such as depression.

Mushrooms are amazing organisms that act as nature’s own recycling enthusiasts by consuming rotten or decayed plants, cleansing the soil as they go along and helping other plants find phosphorous, which is needed for growth. In addition to their medicinal and nutritional qualities, mushrooms can also be processed into products that look and feel exactly like leather or plastic, for example. Once we know how to fully utilise these climate friendly materials, they will offer endless possibilities for the manufacturing and construction industries.

Mushrooms and trees live in a symbiotic relationship whereby the mushrooms absorb water and minerals for the trees and trees give nutrients to the mushrooms in return. The Lion's Mane sculpture is an accolade for mushrooms and the ecosystems that sustain them. With this sculpture I would also like to highlight the importance of trees and forests to life on our planet. Forests are so much more than a collection of trees: they are complex ecosystems that take many forms and adapt according to latitude, soil type, amount of rainfall and prevailing temperatures. Forest ecosystems are essential for life on Earth, as they produce the oxygen that we need in order to stay alive, and are home to 80% of the world's terrestrial biodiversity. Forests also play a critical role in mitigating climate change as they are a natural carbon sink, soaking up carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The Lion’s Mane sculpture consists of glass rods that have been clued together to create a mushroom-like effect. The glass sculpture grows on the side of a charred wood structure, and shimmers beautifully when hit by light.