Scribbles using Mushroom Ink- Inspired by Common Inkcap

Dear artistic people, If you haven't done so, You may be interested in making mushroom ink. Please excuse my art.

After years of mushroom foraging, I would never have touched those repulsive-looking mushrooms oozing black liquid from them. Every year, as I passed by the Common Inkcap family, I paid them no attention until they turned into gooey, grotesque specimens.

However, last week, during my early morning walk, something changed. They vigorously sprouted out of the grass and appeared pristine and appealing, almost inviting for breakfast.

With a surge of courage (phew!) I decided to chop them (sorry, mushrooms) and take them home. As they are fresh and young, it releived my squeamishness, prompting me to experiment further.

To my surprise, the taste was exquisite; I developed an unexpected connection with this previously disliked mushroom. Inspired me to experiment on creating ink from them. By eating them, it gave me the courage to handle their peculiar nature.

Dividing a few mushrooms, I placed them delicately in a bowl.

Sprinkling some salt, I patiently waited for a few hours.

Gradually, they released their ink, becoming watery.

I agitated the mushroom to release more ink then separated them.

I strained it.

And squeezed it.

and ta-da! My very own ink.

I transferred it to the cast iron pan and heated it gently to reduce it, making the ink darker.

The ink turned darker and thicker, just like the consistency of regular ink. As you can see, the reflection of the trees on the ink.

I added more salt and a few drops of melaleuca oil to enhance the aroma and transferred it into its container.

With newfound excitement, I began scribbling and writing with the ink. I had never been a scribbler or a painter, but this ink awakened my dormant artistic side! :) It had been over 25 years since I last drew anything. Though my skills were rusty, the ink ignited my imagination.

Please excuse my art.

I attempted to capture the essence of the mushroom in a drawing.

Then, I scribbled a scene that evoked memories of the Philippine countryside.

What more could a skilled painter create? They could transform this ink into something extraordinary, imbued with profound meaning.

I feel a profound connection to this mushroom I once despised. It has become my favourite.

Please Note:
It's important to exercise caution when identifying and consuming wild mushrooms, including the common inkcap as some can be toxic.

Thank you for reading.
Mariah 🍄💚