New Series! “Chesapeake Shrooms: Unveiling Maryland’s Natural World”

I am a self-proclaimed mushroom fanatic.

My love for mushrooms began in my childhood when my German Grandmother imprinted in me a fascination with Mushrooms, gnomes, and her own old country superstitions. She would include ladybug-shaped chocolates in every gift I received, and my charm bracelet included clovers and toadstools as a little extra good luck to get me through my day.

As an adult, I see the mushroom as more than just a good luck charm. These past four years, I have dived head-on into the foraging world, and as an artist, I use the mushrooms and plants I gather in my sculptures and as references for my watercolor portraits. This has led to a newfound love of photography and advocacy for mushrooms and fungi, which are still misunderstood despite the newest “cottage core” trends in recent years. I can’t count the number of times someone has commented that fungi are “disgusting” or “dirty,” and I believe it’s essential to change the public perspective on what are arguably the most important organisms on our planet.

Through my writing, art, and photography, I hope to provide education and inspire more people to fall in love with the world of mushrooms. Beyond their culinary uses, mushrooms play crucial roles in ecosystems, from recycling nutrients to supporting plant growth. Learning about mushrooms enhances our understanding of the natural world and offers insights into sustainable living practices. Plus, a little extra “good luck” never hurt anyone.

In this series, “Chesapeake Shrooms: Unveiling Maryland’s Natural World,” I’ll highlight mushrooms and fungi I find in my foraging adventures through Maryland and share photography of some of my favorite finds. If you find this series beneficial, feel free to subscribe to my List: “Chesapeake Shrooms.”

If you want to follow my art journey, you can find me on Instagram or Facebook at @OstaraArt.