Medillustrate
The Art of Science
Philip Brooks
MYCOLOGY SCULPTOR
📍 Porter, Maine, USA
Philip Brooks is an artist and woodworker whose sculptural work is inspired by the intricate forms and mysterious beauty of fungi. Drawing on a lifelong connection to mushrooms and a family background in woodworking and painting, he transforms wood into handcrafted, mushroom-inspired sculptures that explore the organic shapes, textures, and character of the natural world.
THE INTERVIEW:
Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your background? What first sparked your interest in mycology and wood sculpture?
My name is Philip Brooks. I live in rural Porter, Maine, but grew up in the Mount Washington Valley of New Hampshire. A lot of my childhood was spent in the outdoors and I developed a strong appreciation for the natural world at a young age. My love for fungi began at a local mushroom farm I spent a lot of time at as a kid. I learned the basics of mushroom identification from the owners. I later went on to work as a mushroom cultivator myself outside of high school and teach identification classes.
I was also lucky enough to have talented family. Both of my grandfathers were skilled woodworkers. They were primarily into cabinetry and furniture making. That never totally appealed to me, so I eventually got into woodturning and wood carving. My great aunt was a student and friend of Bob Ross. On ocassion I would take painting lessons from her. Eventually everything just melded together into the sculptural work I do today.
Your sculptures capture an incredible level of detail. How do you research and study fungi before beginning a new piece?
I’ve honestly been working with fungi for so long that a lot of the details are just from memory. I do reference photos quite a bit and use field guides for anatomical measurements. During foraging season here in Maine, I’ll occasionally use live specimens as well.
How do you balance scientific accuracy with artistic expression when creating your work?
This is a tough question. It does feel like my work is just replicating nature a lot of the time. I do contemporary sculpture as well and one of the themes I have is expressing movement. It’s tricky to do with a medium like wood. I think that’s where I express myself with my natural science work as well. I’ll pose species how they would move and grow around obstacles in their way.
Marasmius Haematocephalus (mauve parachute mushroom)
.png)
Coprinus Comatus (shaggy mane mushroom)
Could you walk us through your creative process, from the initial idea to the finished sculpture?
From block of wood to finished piece is a lengthy process. Most of my work takes around seven to eight hours total, but some of the larger and more complicated ones can take twenty, even thirty hours. I first mill out a blank of wood to the correct size and rough shape it. From there I slowly add detail, working up to the fine and more delicate textures. Then I sand the piece as needed and use a buffing pad to really smooth out any areas of raised grain. Next, I prime the piece and then start with a coat of gesso before adding any color. After paint, I finish with an acrylic sealer and UV protective spray coat. Making the base is next. Ill cut a round from a log, sand the bottom, and spray coat with polyurethane. Once dry, I flip the round to the other side and glue down a layer of dirt and woodland debris, add the mushroom, and then slowly add the preserved flora that matches the species' habitat. Again, it's a super long process and requires a lot of patience.
Your work inspires curiosity about organisms many people overlook. What do you hope people notice or feel when they encounter your work?
I really want people to be able to see how truly incredible these organisms are. Many people arent even aware of most of the species that exist outside of the button mushrooms you can buy at the grocery store. They are the works of art themselves and I'm really just their messenger.
Has creating these sculptures changed the way you personally see the natural world?
It's made me slow down and notice the small details more. There is so much more to nature than we initially see unless we really stop and look.
Why do you think visual art is such a powerful tool for communicating science?
I think most humans are visual learners. I feel it's easier to conceptualize and understand information through imagery. In fact, before written language existed, we shared information and expressed ideas with each other through art. It's important that we don't lose that.
.png)
Clavaria Zollingerii (purple coral)
Laetiporus Sulphureus (chicken of the woods)
Are there any scientists, artists, or experiences that have significantly influenced your work?
Through working in the mushroom community I've had the honor to meet and work with lots of important people in the field. They've all influenced and supported me in some way. Artist Chris Wilson has been a huge influence on my work with his incredibly detailed wildlife sculptures as well as French wood artist Alain Mailland.
What projects are you currently working on or excited about next?
I'm currently working on branching out from just fungi to other species. Ive been practicing and studying insects, birds, and aquatic wildlife for awhile now. I think I'm finally ready to invest that practice into some finished works.
What advice would you give to students exploring career paths that combine both science and creativity?
Find your field of interest, study it well, and turn it into your niche. The internet has been great at connecting people and allowing artists to have a place to show their work to millions, but that's every single artist. You have to be able to set yourself apart. Aside from that, don't overthink the work; just create. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking every project you work on has to be a masterpiece. They won't all be. You're going to lose out on valuable learning moments by fumbling your time with perfectionism.
Learn more about
Philip Brooks
WEBSITE:
INSTAGRAM: