Cookeina

An investigation into the Mycology of the fifth kingdom
by Michelle Kelly

May 2010

Michelle’s collection of jewellery is inspired by the Cookeina or Cup Fungi. This mushroom body grows in the shape of a ‘cup’ and spores are formed on the inner surface. The spores are then dispersed by either raindrops or wind currents being captured in the cup shape.

“I am drawn to the multiple intricacies and the way fungi grow with many layering components within themselves. Exploring size, form, colour and movement gives my practice many layers just like the growth of fungi.”