entry the art of decay
when a beech tree in the national forest is infested with fungus it is cut and removed to avoid spreading the fungus. the tree stump decays within a few years. this stump was probably cut a year or two ago in addition to the dark or gray coloration of the fungus, the cracks and patterns of the annual rings as well as the saw marks all contribute to making the stump a natural work of art. there is ample new growth to replenish the forest