Amazing Illustrations Etched Into Mushrooms

Boston-based artist Corey Corcoran is inspired by quite the unusual canvas. Using Artist Conk mushrooms (also called Ganoderma applanatum) he carves intricate designs and stories onto the surface of this soft fungi. Much of his work draws inspiration from nature and organic forms, and this project is no exception.

Each little canvas ranges in size from 6 to 24 inches wide. Creating these amazing illustrations on such small surfaces requires a steady hand and a detailed eye, both of which seem to be Corcoran's strengths. The artist works with the texture in the mushrooms to create his shapes and patterns. As he scratches over the surface of the mushrooms, the colors change into darks and lights and a variety of shadows which combine nicely together to form the creative vision of the artist.