Mushroom sign

For this work I found a place in Arabianranta. I wanted it to be a public place where people pass by often. The lawn surrounded by a circle of trees suited well for my idea.

I planted Amanita muscaria mushrooms in the shape of infinity sign.

Primarily I planned to make some other symbol which would be more comprehensive, and more angular. But then mushrooms like to grow it the circles. Their caps are also circle like. So, the infinity symbol was a natural choice.

Here is some more information about the mushroom:

Amanita muscaria or Fly Agarics are known for the unpredictability of their effects.They are poisonous mushrooms, unless detoxified.

I chose this mushroom for it's mystical and sacral properties. Amanita muscaria was widely known as sacred mushroom by many Siberia tribes. To Siberian shamans, Amanita muscaria is the link to another, divine world. It is also used as a medicine. The usage of the mushroom varies depending on the region. In some areas it is used only by shamans. There are other regions, where sick or elderly people use the mushroom for it's recreational properties.

I never heard about this habit back at home, but I found out that Fly Mushroom is also used in Lithuanian wedding feasts.

The toxins in Amanita muscaria are water soluble. When sliced thinly, or finely diced and boiled in plentiful water until thoroughly cooked, it seems to be detoxified.

Although it's usage as a food has never been widespread, the consumption of detoxified Amanita muscaria has been practiced in some parts of Europe.

 It is also consumed as a food in parts of Japan.

Fly Mushrooms are thought to be very poisonous and dangerous. You are not recommended to touch them. Few years ago I was convinced about that. I was taught so.

People tend to fear things they don't know. Some prejudgments are broadly spread. It is highly unlikely that others start believing in something different, even if it is scientifically proved. 

Nowadays, information is widely accessible. I find it very strange that we stick on our preconceptions so persistently.

Perhaps some time in the past it was our way to survive, but now, it seems to me, this kind of thinking might lead us to a deadlock. 

Kristina Laine