Upstream captures the powerful journey of resilience and perseverance. The two koi, swimming head to tail, represent the continuous cycle of challenge and triumph. Their movement against the current symbolizes the strength needed to defy the odds, pushing through obstacles and embracing growth. The koi’s fluid motion conveys persistence, moving forward despite the difficulty of the journey. This painting speaks to the personal battles we face, moments when the current feels too strong, yet we continue, believing that every effort, no matter how tough, brings us closer to our destination. Like the koi, I’ve often found myself swimming against the current, whether in my career, art, or sometimes in my personal life - fighting to carve my own path. Upstream is a reminder that growth doesn’t occur in comfort, it’s the resistance, the struggle, that shapes who we become.