mycelium

Mycelium is a two-finger sculpture adorned with anatomical forms that merge with fungal growths and delicate metallic filigree. Elongated elements echo the direction of the phalanges, while openwork arches wrap around the fingers, giving the impression of a structure sprouting along the hand.

Polished surfaces contrast with recessed areas, folds, and fine texture. This contrast emphasizes the ornamentation’s volume and its resemblance to living tissue.

Mycelium translates to «mycelium”—a branching fungal network that spreads within a medium, envelops it, and uses it as a basis for further growth. In this project, this principle is transferred to the human body: the jewelry appears as a parasitic organism that has anchored itself to the fingers, gradually growing and intertwining them with a fine network of metal protrusions.

The form is rooted in biomorphism and the theme of parasitism. It merges imagery of mycelium, roots, bony phalanges, spores, and porous organic sheaths. Asymmetry, varying density of interweavings, and transitions from thin filaments to massive growths create a sense of uncontrolled, living growth—as if the boundary between the body and a foreign organism is gradually dissolving.

For the project, 3D visualizations of the jewelry were also prepared. These help to pre-check the overall plasticity, proportions, the character of the interwoven design, and how the piece looks on the hand versus as a standalone object. The visualizations also allow us to illustrate the intended material, the degree of polish, and how light interacts with the metal surface before creating a physical prototype.

For fabrication, I plan to use 925 sterling silver—polished on the raised elements and lightly blackened in the recessed areas to emphasize the relief and complexity of the form.

The main volumetric elements will be produced using the lost-wax casting method, while the delicate interweavings will be crafted from silver wire and subsequently joined to the base using soldering or laser welding.