Art Nouveau Koi

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Art Nouveau Koi*

Many times, we face an uphill battle. There is a Japanese legend that any koi fish that could swim upstream and leap over the top of the waterfall and go through the gate would be transformed into a dragon, the symbol of strength, power, and good fortune. There is a Zen proverb this legend brings to mind for me that I love "Fall down Seven Times, Get up Eight." As long as we try just one more time that we fail, we will succeed. "Persist as you Persevere" was the motto I wrote to highlight this relationship we have between self, and the challenge ahead.

Artwork and motto by Julie Leidel, 2025.