Networking with Each Other for Support - Salma's Art Webs

We can be so good at networking in our personal lives. The term “networking,” often implies how businesses work with each other to bring in clients, and the internet is a type of network. However, networking can apply to so many different situations, and many of us do it daily using verbal and body language. Each of us knows somebody who knows somebody else who knows something that we don’t know. In a way, we are like a human web of interconnectedness, and the more of it we have, especially with regard to positive emotional support and useful life-enhancing information, the more content we can feel. 
 
Nature is full of networks, and some are underground, where we rarely look. Through Salma Arastu's art we can learn much from the way these networks function and consider how to follow their fine example in our own relationships. Her beautiful artwork is available in print form in any size at affordable prices with framing available to you through Sustaining Arts Gallery. The original version of the art shown below this first image will be available after August 30 2024. ​

​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.”

                                    Hold Me Together- V 60 x 30 on handmade paper 
 
In Salma’s Hold Me Together, I view the delicate strands of mycelium weaving their way, almost invisibly, connecting like a river to the life below. 

When I was a young adult, I learned that too much “alone time” was not good for me. I needed connection with others during some part of the day to gain some perspective on my own life and to get clarity on my motives and my needs. As much as I enjoy alone time where I look earnestly into my own life, I often need to bounce my ideas and feelings off of others who come from another viewpoint. These wonderful friends and family are the mycelium that help hold me together.

​And as much as I rely on my friends and family, I also aim to be the tiny thread that helps to sew up any threadbare areas in their lives. If only I can be sensitive enough to notice the small things, listen more, accept them more and more for where they love to be and encourage their positive life decisions.

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

The Story of the Mycelium shows how mycelium interact with plants. They live deep underground and do most of their networking there. They are a foundation for the plants above, continually giving nutrients so that those above can thrive.

I liken this relationship to many finding their own foundation - a love of nature, connection to higher consciousness, nurturing body and mind, and developing a rooted quality in family, whether through bloodline, adoption or choice.

There are key areas that make my day great. One of them is enough sleep, which can knock my day off course if it doesn't happen. Eating well and exercising is a great foundation, as well as connecting somehow with nature - love being in the garden every morning. Sharing some of my nature and creative art and music findings with others I care about adds to my own enjoyment.

Reaching Out - V 60 x 30 on handmade paper

Salma's Reaching Out V reminds me that I cannot help the world to become a better place on my own. When I reach out to others who have more knowledge in any given area, I use my own gifts to add benefit as I enjoy learning how I can best fit in to help achieve good results for all life. 
 
Our ecosystem is in great need, reaching out to us as humans all the time, asking us to listen. What does nature have to teach us? How can we reach out to her? How do we give back to Mother Earth all that she has given us? 

MYCELiUM teach us the value of reaching out to our beloved earth to ask for help and reaching out to others around us for support and aid. For instance, I would like to write postcards to persuade swing voters in our upcoming election, yet it is so much more fun to write them with others than alone, so I will get together with a group soon and we will encourage each other to write more and more. 

  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.

Taking Action

What can we do in terms of changing our ways to connect well with others and spread positive ideas so to help ourselves and our planet? I invite you to ask yourself the following questions:

What connections can I make with others to bring more joy into my life?
In what way can I listen better to Mother Earth and the flora and fauna around me?
What emotional and physical nutrients can I carry to others to improve their day?
What habit can I change to show my understanding of how plastic pollutes the earth?
Which natural products can I use that will absorb back into the earth, adding benefits?
What action can I take with other people to help change the world for the better?