Artist Leigh Martin has combined her obsession with fungi and love of knitting in the 52 Forms of Fungi project. She will essentially be knitting 52 different fungi over the year, which breaks down neatly into a fungus per week. Although the fungi are clearly crocheted creations due to their texture, they are impressively realistic, especially when placed in the real world.
With a few clarifying guidelines including naming the various forms and sticking to local species, the 52 Forms of Fungi project may also include fictional interpretations. Since Martin will be using fun yarn choices, she writes, "It's highly unlikely that metallic, silver fungi exists anywhere in nature other than maybe Rivendell." Since people are attracted to all things magical and whimsical, her audience probably won't mind.
Realistic Knitted Mushrooms
52 Forms of Fungi by Leigh Martin is a Creative Year-Long Project
Trend Themes
1. Knitted Nature Art - The trend of blending handicraft arts with raw nature inspires opportunities for sustainable entrepreneurship and tourism.
2. Fungi Crafts - Using fungi as inspiration for crafts presents opportunities for sustainable product design and farming practices.
3. Fantasy Fungi - The trend of creating fictional fungi designs opens up opportunities for creative storytelling and merchandise.
Industry Implications
1. Arts and Crafts - Artists and crafters can create new products by exploring the possibilities of blending handicraft arts with natural themes and materials.
2. Sustainable Agriculture - The farming of various fungi species can provide opportunities for sustainable food production and alternative forms of protein.
3. Tourism and Hospitality - The trend of connecting people with nature through crafts and art installations can inspire unique experiential tourism opportunities.