Can you truly preserve nature? Or is decay an inevitable part of everything that lives? I want to capture and share the beauty of nature, but also explore how we can conserve it without losing its essence.

To research this, I conducted an experiment focused on preserving mushrooms. They are beautiful, yet fragile. How can you maintain their color, texture, and shape without them deteriorating? I am testing various substances and liquids to see what works best. While I often use epoxy resin to preserve microorganisms, it alters their natural appearance. That’s why I am experimenting with alternative substances that better retain their original characteristics.

This research is challenging but also provides new insights. It is a search for balance: preserving nature while acknowledging that transience remains a fundamental part of life. What can be preserved, and what must we let go of? These questions are central to my work – and this experiment brings me one step closer to the answers.

The experiment included the following mushrooms and liquids:

Tested mushrooms:

• Gymnopilus junonius (Spectacular rustgill)
• Scleroderma citrinum (Common earthball)
• Mycena haematopus (Bleeding fairy helmet)
• Russula cyanoxantha (Charcoal burner)
• Lactarius argillaceifolius (Clay-stained milkcap)
• Kuehneromyces mutabilis (Sheathed woodtuft)
• Clitocybe nebularis (Clouded agaric)
• Coprinus comatus (Shaggy ink cap)
• Laccaria laccata (Deceiver)
• Amanita muscaria (Fly agaric)
• Inocybe geophylla (Earthy inocybe)

Test liquids:

• Cleaning spirits
• Methylated spirits
• Denatured alcohol
• Flower honey
• Alcohol (70% and 96%)
• Glycerin (pure and diluted)
• Olive oil (extra virgin and mild)
• Vinegar
• Mild and strong brine
• Demineralized water
• Baby skin oil
• Antibacterial hand gel
• Epoxy resin