Sam Shoemaker has created a stir within the art and sustainability communities. Not surprisingly, he accomplished the improbable feat of paddling 26.4 miles of open ocean in a boat made entirely of mycelium. On a cool morning in early August full of promise, we christened this exciting vessel. It’s made of Ganoderma polychromum mycelium and it departed from Catalina Island. Shoemaker’s trip to San Pedro, south of Los Angeles, was a major personal odyssey. It also gave an example of the amazing possibilities of sustainable materials in marine craft.
In 2024, Shoemaker made this far-reaching undertaking in transit-filled spirit from his Los Angeles studio. Taking cues from his mentor Phil Ross, he began experimenting with mycelium-based materials, which he dubbed AquaFung. The kayak required an entire year to grow and fashion. It illustrates the artistry of Shoemaker’s devotion and the intricate, alchemical rituals that go into creating a vessel from other life forms.
Crafting the Mycelium Kayak
Developing the kayak Along with artistic expression, development of the kayak was inspired by an interest in foraging natural wild Ganoderma polychromum mycelium. Shoemaker replaced one-half of a commercial fishing kayak with organic material to form a biodynamic mold for the mycelium network to grow and thrive. Over six weeks, he allowed the mycelium to grow inside the mold before taking an additional three months to dry it.
Shoemaker explains that the kayak is 50 feet long, which required a tremendous amount of patience to build. His efforts culminated in a unique vessel that not only serves its purpose but sparks conversations about sustainability and innovation in design.
Shoemaker’s creation faced challenges during its development. He stressed that although the possibilities of mycelium as a building material are great, this isn’t an easy fix. Everyone wants to talk about mushrooms as the utopian solution to all our plastic woes. He argued, they’re not the opportune panacea they think they are that will make boat building so easy.
The Maiden Voyage
Shoemaker on the day of his Hudson voyage, with his prized high-tech gear. He added a phone, GoPro camera, walkie-talkie, and a compass, everything rigged tightly to his life vest. As it turned out, this training was essential, as he started to feel seasick three hours into his trip. Despite this misfortune, he managed to soldier on and finish the journey in 12 hours, later calling the experience “psychedelic.”
During his paddling journey, Shoemaker was shocked to be trailed by a strange 50-foot mammal for three miles. It was a strange addition, to be sure—but that strange companion made his journey all the more interesting. I think there’s a 19-year-old kid out there who’s like, ‘I could do that. Shoemaker concluded. Through his venture, he just wants to inspire that next person to create that spark of inspiration.
The trip served as a proof-of-concept for using mycelium as a material on a large-scale boat construction. It did show an inspiring future for creativity, exploration, and innovation through sustainability-focused projects.
Future Aspirations and Exhibitions
Shoemaker’s efforts did not end with his first kayak. In fact, he’s already begun construction on a second mushroom boat. This one was grown with more than 520 pounds of hemp hard substrate infused into a custom fiberglass mold. This second kayak is further proof of his devotion to perfecting his craft and breaking new ground in sustainable design.
Beyond producing these vessels, Shoemaker aims to keep working with artists, mycologists, and tinkerers. He plans to eventually release his open-source compendium for anyone to use, continuing his goal of creating a culture of open shared knowledge and groundbreaking innovation.
I’ve been waiting for someone to do something on this in this space for years!” shouted Phil Ross. He shared his broader excitement about all that Shoemaker’s project represents. “The first thing I thought when my boat went out was, ‘Please somebody try and beat this record because that gives me a reason to try again.’”
Sam Shoemaker’s Tension Series will be on view in a solo exhibition at Fulcrum Arts’ gallery space in Pasadena this October. This event will be an opportunity to see his wycinanki and kayak. Attendees will get an opportunity to interact with his groundbreaking work firsthand.