Lillian • 14 • Wicklow

12-15 Category   •  2026
With the theme of nature, I took inspiration from an Autumn woodland and the many types of mushrooms that grow there. I went for a walk in the forest and took pictures of the mushrooms, this piece is based off one of these photos. I researched this mushroom and discovered that it is called the "Fruity Brittlegill"(Russula queletii). The piece's green base with blades of grass and a real pinecone, create the busy and wild scene where the mushroom is centred. The mushroom's head is a deep red like the real life version. The clay mushroom is approximately the same size as in real life. I used a wire sieve to create the illusion of moss on the clay. I used masking tape for the base of the blades of grass to help them stand up and then wrapped clay around them. I named my artwork 'Nature's Trophy', as the mushroom reminds me of a delicate yet magnificent creation that stands tall and proudly which I associate with a trophy. I really enjoyed working on this piece and I am quite happy with how it turned out!