Last semester in Professor Toia’s drawing class we were exposed to some of his art collection, and this included his spore art works. Here is a description from a gallery he was featured in:

“Over the past decade, Toia has cultivated his interest in mushrooms and the physical capture of their spores. His spore drawings are unique examples of his partnership with nature. Decades ago, he saw his first scientific spore print. In a controlled environment, a mycologist allows a mushroom to drop its spores for the purpose of scientific study. Toia’s spore drawings are deliberately executed under less controlled conditions. His manipulations combined with chance occurrences lead to surprising results and unworldly imagery. Only a few of his numerous attempts pass his rigorous standards of approval for his art.” http://kimfostergallery.com/jim-toia/

How do we dissect this form of artwork? How natural is it? Is Toia’s art more natural than other’s spore art because he depends on mother nature for a worthy piece? (such as shape of mushroom, how much spore it drops, and the way air flows over the piece to give the paper its detail)