Mycelial Landscapes – A Conversation with Merlin Sheldrake and Barney Steel
Feb 13, 2024
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Renowned mycologist Merlin Sheldrake and creative director Barney Steel discuss mycelial webs softening boundaries between bodies and nature. They explore the interconnectedness of science and art, the intertwined relationship between humans and plants, curiosity fueling inquiry, reevaluating intelligence in nature, and the role of mystery in cultivating wonder.
Fungi challenge traditional Western philosophical frameworks by showcasing interconnectedness and intelligence beyond humans.
Life forms are dynamic processes, fostering interconnectedness and adaptation in a world of collaboration.
Fungi's survival strategies offer lessons in adaptability, partnership, and innovation for navigating ecological crises.
Deep dives
The Power of Fungi in Breaking Down Traditional Philosophical Frameworks
Fungi challenge traditional Western philosophical frameworks by demonstrating the interconnectedness and interdependence of all living beings. They show that intelligence is not exclusive to humans, as fungi possess their own form of intelligence. By deepening our relationship and partnership with the fungal community, we can learn to adapt to the ecological crisis we face. This includes forming new relationships with non-human organisms and humans, embracing cyclical thinking, and appreciating the power of what lies hidden and mysterious in the natural world.
Revealing Processes Rather Than Things
Fungi teach us that life forms are not static entities, but rather processes. By understanding that organisms are constantly adapting and evolving, we can shift our perspective from seeing ourselves as separate individuals to recognizing our interconnectedness with the living world. This understanding can inspire us to approach life as a dynamic dance of improvisation and collaboration, where possibilities for growth and change abound.
Learning from Fungi to Enhance Adaptability
Fungi have survived and thrived through ecological disruptions by forming new relationships and adapting to changing environments. Their inventiveness, flexibility, and collaboration can serve as models for us to navigate the current ecological crisis. We can learn from fungi by embracing metabolic partnerships, engaging in mycoremediation, exploring their chemical ingenuity, and considering the symbiotic principles demonstrated by lichens. By cherishing the wisdom of fungi, we can enhance our ability to adapt and thrive in the face of environmental challenges.
Breaking the Myth of Separation through Interbeing
The dominant narrative of separation can be challenged by stories of interbeing and symbiosis. Through experiences that expand our boundaries and perception, such as virtual reality or immersive environments, we can embody the interconnectedness of life forms and break free from the illusion of separation. By shifting our stories and experiences to ones that emphasize interbeing, we can cultivate a deeper sense of empathy, care, and responsibility for the more-than-human world.
Applying Lessons from Fungi in Practical Ways
The lessons learned from fungi can be applied in various practical ways. By recognizing the cyclical nature of life and embracing togetherness, we can cultivate sustainable farming and forestry practices that prioritize symbiotic relationships. We can also explore materials and technology inspired by fungi to build more sustainable and ecologically friendly structures. Additionally, by valuing the intelligence and adaptability of all organisms, we can create a more compassionate and interconnected world.
Recorded live at our Shifting Landscapes exhibition in London last December, this conversation between Emergence Magazine executive editor Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee, renowned mycologist and author Merlin Sheldrake, and Marshmallow Laser Feast creative director Barney Steel—who was behind the exhibition’s large-scale installation Breathing with the Forest—explores the mycelial webs that infiltrate and sustain our landscapes. Embracing the mystery and wonder of fungi as a means of deconstructing our Western philosophies around the self, the nature of intelligence, and the possibilities within community, each spoke to how the relational phenomenon of fungi could soften the imagined boundaries between our bodies and the great biosphere.
