​Mycelium is a dense network of thread-like structures (hyphae) that grow underground, spreading out to absorb nutrients from the environment, which support the growth and development of  fungi, some of which are mushrooms. ​

This network is essential for decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil. This process is vital for soil health and the growth of plants. Mycelium also form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, known as mycorrhizae, enhancing nutrient uptake for plants. They break down environmental pollutants, cleaning up contaminated soils and water and produce powerful enzymes that can break down complex organic pollutants like petroleum products, pesticides, and dyes by breaking the chemical bonds in these compounds.
 
In her new series of mixed media paintings, Soil and Soul, Salma Arastu examines and expresses the deep interconnectedness of human and natural life by juxtaposing the fungal mycelial patterns found in nature with Arabic calligraphy. 
 
In Salma’s words:
 
“ This new series mirrors contemporary ecological and social issues with artistic investigations based on science, spirituality, and the humanities. 
 
As forest psychology has developed, we increasingly see that it is the fungi that coordinate forests and ecosystems, acting as connective tissue between all beings. Like an underground highway system, mycelium carries nutrients – nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus-between plant roots, nurturing the collective growth of its community.
 
It’s contributions don’t stop there: plants with fungal allies are proven to be more resilient when it comes to infestation and disease, and mycelium has even been shown to transmit messages between plants through a language of chemical signals. The invisible network of mushroom mycelium found in nature is a dynamic rooted network that works to build and sustain vast, reciprocal interconnections. On a human level, these connections, speak to us of the nourishment and growth possible in our organizations, communities, and social movements.”

The Story of the Mycelium 60 x 30 on handmade paper ​

  Symbiotic relationships 60 x 30 on handmade paper ​

The word “symbiotic” is a symbol for teaching human beings how to connect with each other and with our biodiverse world. In Salma’s Symbiotic Relationships an intricate network of relationships has formed. We are dependent on the earth for our survival, and on the biodiversity that helps support us. This symbiotic relationship is much more important than the new plastic toy that we buy at the store. The more mindful we are about what we purchase, the closer our relationship becomes to the greater mother who sustains us, Pachamama, Mother Earth. 
 
Many of us are now starting to listen to other species and hearing their cries for help. As we listen and we watch, it is important to see how much power we have to change our relationship to life and human-made things, enjoying them for their beauty and utility, and yet always keeping in mind if we are exploiting other people, animals, insects or Mother Earth herself in order to get something for ourselves. We have the power to have control over many of the species, plants and fauna, that are around us, though, Mother Earth is letting us know with her extreme weather that we only have control to a certain point. She is crying for us to listen. As we do, she will treat us with more respect and help us to live in harmony with the earth.

Have you tried any of these approaches to transitional conversations? If so, how did they work for you? I would love to know your ideas. There are so many creative ways to take the “sting” out of a challenging discussion. I always sleep better after a tense conversation is resolved, and I hope your conversations are, at the best, fabulous, and in the least, satisfying, so you can enjoy a good night's rest!​

​The primary colors that make all other colors are red, yellow and blue. When mixed together, two colors at a time, they make secondary colors - orange, green, and violet.

Notice on this color wheel what is directly across red, yellow and blue. The secondary colors!

​     Red - Green                                 Yellow – Purple                                  Blue - Orange 

When you put a primary color next to its opposite secondary color, they make each other look even brighter than they look on a neutral background. They complement each other, in other words, in this chummy relationship they invigorate each other, and thus are called complements or complementary colors.

Complementary colors produce a "zing" when placed right next to each other. Yet, they elicit a very different effect when they are mixed together unevenly. For instance, when you mix a little bit of red into a lot of green, the green becomes darker, like a forest green. If you take a touch of orange, or even better yet, a deep orange called burnt sienna, and mix it into a lot of sapphire or ultramarine blue, the blue becomes darker and not as bright.. Let’s take a look at the color relationships in Sara’s generative art, art that is made with code on the computer. Not only are her metal prints filled with beautiful complementary combinations, they also come in glossy form, which brings out their color even more.      ​