From Greek mythology, Mycenae was a water nymph, the offspring of a river god. Her name can also be spelled Mycene or Mykene, and her namesake is the ancient golden city of Mycenae. One origin story suggests the city was created when Perseus lost part of his sword – the cap (known as myces) fell from the scabbard to the ground. Myces is the Greek word for mushroom.
Mycenae was a minor entity in a time of mythology known as the primordial era. It is believed that the universe was emerging from formless chaos. People as such did not exist, more forces and concepts of earth, sky, time and darkness. My Mycenae is located within the swamp area of the Wildflower Sculpture Park. Her form is created with mycelium, the root like structure of fungus and mushrooms. She appears to have both emerged from the earth and will eventually be subsumed by it again. The inevitable, ongoing states of decay being a welcome part of the creative process.
Mycenae, 2026, Hemp, mycelium, cotton, fiberglass, paper
Installed at Wildflower Sculpture Park Saturday September 12, 2026.
Excited to see how she evolves over the coming months, transitioning from Summer to Winter.
