Fern Shaffer

Ginkgo Leave (2018)
oil stick on acrylic
8 x 10 in. | $175

Ginkgo is a genus of highly unusual non-flowering plants. The scientific name is also used as the English name. The genus first appeared in the Permian, 250 million years ago, possibly derived from “seed ferns” of the order Peltaspermales. The Ginkgo is a living fossil. A single tree can live as long as 1,000 years and grow to 120 feet. The Ginkgo’s are tough and hardy trees, they can live in most climates therefore they have been planted and cultivated all over the world.

For thousands of years, leaves from the Ginkgo Biloba tree have been a common treatment in Chinese medicine. In the U.S., many take Ginkgo supplements in the belief that they will improve memory and sharpen thinking because Ginkgo improves blood flow to the brain. This tree represents the plant kingdom to me and I paint the leaves as a way to show respect and tribute to its strength and endurance.

© Fern Shaffer