Ginkgo Anyone?

  I have been asked numerous times as to why I frequently choose to use the ginkgo leaf in my work. Having spent some time exploring this question, I first thought about how I work intuitively....sometimes the work just needs a ginkgo leaf!   Right??    But WHY?    It goes much deeper than that.
 The picture above shows a very large ginkgo tree located on the campus of Ohio University. Back in the early 19060's, the course of the Hocking River was changed, for purposes of flood control. My Uncle Art Blickle, a botany professor, was instrumental in saving the above tree from destruction. Apparently it was an extremely old tree already.As a young person, this "fight" to save the tree captured my imagination. From that time on I became very aware of any ginkgo trees.

  Fast forward 40 some years and I am living in a house with a very large.....you guessed it.....ginkgo tree, in the front yard. I am an avid "season-er" and so, I pay a lot of attention to the changing of the seasons and how it effects the plant and animals around me.  This tree usually is completely bright yellow around the 22-23 of October. When it decides to drop it's leaves, it does so all at once! These leaves are very beautiful and leathery and heavy to rake.
 Considered a living fossil, the ginkgo tree has been around for many millions of years. The ginkgo is used as a symbol of longevity and strength over time. One can even find it in pill form to help the memory.                   

I will continue to attempt to figure out the significance of this special tree in my life. I do know that have have not grown tired of  it's beauty and versatility. Rest assured you will see more ginkgo art from me. 

Ginkgo biloba