MANTIS AZUL

I create access points of connection to living systems by using anchor points of the human experience such as nostalgia, and grief.

Most importantly, my art is an experiment. A will to try and understand what I am ultimately unsure about. To connect to what I fear and feel so deeply for.

The majority of my work has geared towards independent scientific research grounded in accessibility, community science and craft. My main collaborators are Blue Elf Cup, and Ganorderma Sessile.

Upcoming Events

MYCOMEMORIA: A Mycelium Workshop by Mantis Harper-Blanco and Rachel Rusk hosted at the Baltimore Underground Science Space
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/myco-memoria-tickets-1981531708682

IMAGINING OTHERWISE: An Integrated Future by Alberto Martinez Garaulet and Mantis Harper-Blanco hosted by MICAxMcDonogh School.

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What are we losing in letting go?

2023

Ganoderma Lucidum, Decal

Concept

Mycelium has memory. Like me. I want mycelium to create memories from my memories, where my nostalgia becomes food for growth and feeds the internal complexity of mycelium decision making. We become one.

Process

Photo transfer process on mycelium where mycelium uses the image as food rather than as a surface. The intention was to find an alternative photo transfer process that was also heat resistant. Decal is a photo transfer technique in ceramics in which an image fuses with the surface after a kiln firing.

To make mycelium material, the mycelium must be baked at a temperature of 150 - 300 degrees. Decals were used as an image transfer process that would withstand the heat of the oven.