We Grew Together is a culturally sensitive material study of amadou, a suede-like material derived from a polypore mushroom called Fomes fomentarius (Engl. Tinder Mushroom). Local artisans in Transylvania persist in utilizing this folkloric handicraft material, employing it as a textile-like material to create small items such as hats and bags.

The goal of the We Grew Together project was to find new applications for the amadou material and contribute to preserving the dying tradition of amadou handicraft through innovative experimentation. The objects created highlight the qualities of amadou, which is a naturally absorbent, anti-inflammatory, and isolative material. It is also fully natural, vegan, and cruelty-free.

We Grew Together was awarded as the best master’s thesis project of the year 2019 at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts, and it received the first prize at the Designers’ Saturday Best Talents 2019 Awards.

Fomes fomentarius

2019