Medium: Acrylic paint on print making paper

Size: 15 in w x 22 in high

An illustration work, hand made/hand painted by artist Andrew Naeger

The history of the koi fish has always fascinate me with it’s symbolism and references to history in contrast to it’s current state. This species was not always thought about as a decorative element reflecting art and culture, used in landscape design, etc. Once a sustainable food source that was critical during a time of the Chinese invasion into Japan. The koi fish continued to be part of the culture and evolved once identified for its potential beauty in breeding multiple colors and patterns. Now the koi fish represents many stories and represents culture symbolically in different ways. In my work this duality is drawn upon, the storied history and the defining beauty of a cultural symbol. Added to many of my koi paintings you may find the ginkgo leaf. The aspects I draw upon of the ginkgo are 3 fold. Known as a living fossil, then ginkgo, like the koi have survived for generations. Second, the leaf naturally filters pollution in the air. Lastly, I draw the leaf in a “flat” state representing a pressed leaf. This draws upon a childhood memory where I would collect leaves and flower petals with my mom who would press and then compose the most wonderful botanical art to be framed on unique found fabric. The ginkgo leaf and koi speak to each other when placed in a single composition regarding the history and path of life, the purification and living symbol can take to represent culture and the relationship humans have with nature.