Tree Time is inspired by the 100,000 year old living fossils and endangered species, the Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood). The Metasequoia glyptostroboides are currently the foundation of international climate change research. The species was thought to be extinct until 1940, when it was re-discovered in central China. The Metasequoia glyptostroboides was on the edge of extinction due to genetic bottlenecking, their isolation having weakened them near the point of collapse. 

Tree Time, a photographic documentation installation, began in the fall of 2019. I  documented over 540 separate photographic sessions of this central Ohio plantation of Metasequoia at The Dawes Arboretum. The seeds were collected for forty plus years in south central China by the first ever Sino-American tree conservation collaboration. Those seeds yielded the largest genetically diverse plantation of this tree species outside of China. Tree Time reveals the changes that happen naturally over time. 

 I see parallels between these trees to human life - we too suffer when isolated. These last pandemic years have clearly illustrated the crucial importance of community, engagement and diversity to our well-being. In the images, you see a genetically diverse plantation of the Metasequoia glyptostroboides.  They are reaching out, connecting, just as we humans need to do.

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BENEFITS of TREE TIME  

- art accessible (free) for all   

- promoting community vs isolation  

 - dedication for positive relationships across the globe  

- catalyst for awareness about climate change and tree conservation

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Tree Time public art installation now on view at these eleven sites

 in Licking County and Franklin County.  

Licking County Libraries

Buckeye Lake . Downtown Newark . Hebron . Johnstown  .  Utica  .  West Newark . 

Granville  (closing 1/2/23)

Senior Sites

Licking County Aging Program, Newark Otterbein, Granville  (1/23-3/23)

OSU Newark, LeFevre Art Gallery (closing 2/27/23)

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GRANGE INSURANCE AUDUBON CENTER, COLUMBUS OH

MARCH 2,  2023  -  APRIL 23,  2023

Reception: March 2,  6-8PM

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The preview of Tree Time happened on Friday, April 29  at The BANK in Newark Ohio. It was well attended by local and regional community leaders, fine art professionals, friends and family. Leading up to the preview there were a series of opportunities to support Tree Time. I am happy to report that funding has been secured for each of the sites. Thank you for your support, interest in public art and  creating meaningful conversations inspired by this species of trees.

Special thanks to these community leaders

Albyn’s Nursey, Mike Flood  

Ghostwriter Public House, Dennis and Denise Blankemeyer

  Granville Yoga, Kelli Biehle  

HOKO Floral Studio and Event Design, Kahealani Milroy  

Seek no Further Cidery, Trent Beers and Chris Crader  

Tree Time Branding, David Butler 

Holly and Park Shai

Trish and John Cadwallader

Moretti-Long Family

Menzer Family

Priano Family