No one sees the first courageous leaf fall at the end of summer. But we do get to see and enjoy those that follow. Deciduous tree leaves begin to form as buds, then open up and grow. Leaves provide energy for the tree through the process of photosynthesis, which takes energy from the sun and converts it into energy the tree can use. The leaves help the tree release moisture through a process called transpiration. Trees produce oxygen as a byproduct through the photosynthesis process. The leaves fall off when they reach maturity and the right weather conditions are met to begin another stage of their lives. They have a major purpose in the cycle of life. Annie Dillard writes that a big elm tree will make six million leaves in a season but we are not capable of making a single leaf. How true that statement is. However, we are capable of enjoying them, respecting them, protecting them, allowing them to enhance our lives and in my case, also photographing them.
Scientists have determined that in all the world, no two leaves of any plant are identical. Each is one of a kind—unique. That says there are an infinite number of shapes, colors, and types of leaves. This also means there is an infinite and ever changing number of ways for Creation, the artist, to make art with them. And, I must say from my observation, Creation seems to enjoy using them as its subject, brush, or canvas, decorating them with frost, snow, rain, birds, and small insects. In this collection of images, taken between 2006-2023, I hope to bring to you the beautiful art nature creates with fallen leaves. And, if no two leaves are the same then no two photographs will be the same. I hope you enjoy them.
