Koi Climbing a Waterfall
Erin K. Nolan, DeKalb IL USA
Information on the print:
Ink: watercolor
Woodblock: Shina
Paper: Kozoshi
Comments from the artist:
I read a Chinese legend known in Japan as Koi-no-Takinobori. In this story carp swim, against all odds, up a waterfall known as the "Dragon Gate" at the headwaters of China's Yellow River. The gods are very impressed by the feat, and rewarded the carp by turning them into powerful dragons.
The story symbolizes the virtues of courage, effort and perseverance. These herculean virtues are being found today in the hearts of the affected people of Japan in the face of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster of 2011.
I am proud to be able to use my artwork to assist in the relief efforts. Thank you to the Baren for this opportunity.