About Hypha

Hypha is derived from the Greek word hyphe, which means web. Hyphae are the branching, thread-like, vegetative parts of a fungus. They are the primary means of growth and are collectively called mycelium. Mycelium are non- centralized structures; any part can regenerate or reproduce. Hyphae search for nourishment and connections with other hyphae to mate and exchange information.

Metaphorically, hypha is a growing community web, mirroring the strength and decentralization found in mycelial networks. The potential of these networks is the inspiration behind this site: to search for connections via ideas and art, as well as to create a tangible manifestation in the Hypha free plant nursery.    

The Hypha free nursery is a community project to share plants and knowledge with others in Seattle. Please visit that page for more information and see the news page for current updates.

About Shannon Welles

I've been making art all my life, with darkroom photography emerging as the strongest hold on my heart. I am drawn to the spirit of place and the memories and history it holds. Over the past decade, I have been working to re-skill myself in earth, community, and place-based knowledge areas. I am a Washington native plant steward and have apprenticed in PNW ethnobotany, medicinal wildcrafting, permaculture, and earthen building. I have an MFA in Arts Leadership, focusing on the intersection of art, artistic citizenship, and ecology, and a certificate in The Systems View of Life with Fritjof Capra. I’m currently studying Ecological Design Thinking at Schumacher College.