LIT - Mycelium Illuminated
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Reception:
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Mushroom mycelium – sometimes likened to the root structure of plants - has the unique ability to grow into a shape encouraged by its surroundings. Here that capability is utilized to form light shades that will maintain their structure and stability during use, but decompose in a home garden if left outside. Built on fixtures designed to be disassembled for repair or reuse – often with repurposed or recycled parts – these lamps are an exploration of material and function, supporting the collective challenge of making meaningful objects that leave a small footprint.
Elizabeth Stegner Patton grew up next to a wheatfield in Northern Idaho. She has a bachelor’s degree in biology and sculpture from Willamette University, an MFA in Industrial Design from RIT, and is a professional designer with experience in biotechnology, medical devices, and consumer goods and services. She is interested in the intersection of art, science, and design; biomimicry and materials.
![a close up of three pendant lamps with a textured surface.](/universitygallery/sites/rit.edu.universitygallery/files/2024-01/esp_mushroom%20lamp_close%20up%20hanging%20group_DSC_0019.jpg)
![a white pendant lamp with a textured surface.](/universitygallery/sites/rit.edu.universitygallery/files/styles/large/public/2024-01/esp_mushroom%20lamp_lit_DSC01209.jpg?itok=MjiAoI2u)
![a close up of three pendant lamps with a textured surface.](/universitygallery/sites/rit.edu.universitygallery/files/styles/large/public/2024-01/esp_mushroom%20lamp_odd%20angle_DSC01177.jpg?itok=DwiuFhSv)
![a close up of a pendant lamp with a textured surface placed on a shelf.](/universitygallery/sites/rit.edu.universitygallery/files/styles/large/public/2024-01/esp_mushroom%20lamp_on%20shelf_DSC01199.jpg?itok=OVXrEt4m)
![a light brown pendant lamp with a textured surface.](/universitygallery/sites/rit.edu.universitygallery/files/styles/large/public/2024-01/esp_mushroom%20lamp_shellac%20shade_DSC_0026.jpg?itok=LTMPdm7l)
![blank white space](/universitygallery/sites/rit.edu.universitygallery/files/styles/large/public/2024-01/White%20Space%20for%20website.png?itok=T7u4llmj)
![blank white space](/universitygallery/sites/rit.edu.universitygallery/files/styles/large/public/2024-01/White%20Space%20for%20website_0.png?itok=9jMPaj48)