Rachel with Lotus and Koi

In this painting from the Immersed Series, Rachel is a toddler, taken from a photo I took of her on the beach. It lived in my dining room for a few years and I enjoyed it very much but I am finally ready to part with this painting.

Traditionally, Koi have been used as a symbol of good luck and good fortune. A popular Chinese New Year symbol is a child holding a large goldfish and a lotus flower, symbolizing abundance of gold and harmony. According to Feng Shui, a fish represents wealth and prosperity because the actual word in Chinese for fish, in Pinyin: yú, 魚, also translates to “abundance” 裕 Pinyin: yù.
Koi fish (in trad. Chinese: 錦鯉魚), either black or red, also symbolizes wealth and success.

As with most Chinese symbols, the carp has a legend attached to it. According to legend, the carp is noted for its strength and bravery because it swims against the current, upwards, ‘mastering’ falls and ending up at a gate on the Yellow River called Dragon Gate. The carp turns into the revered Celestial Dragon when it makes a final leap over the last rapids.

From: https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/gold_fish.htm

The Lotus flower is regarded in many different cultures (especially in eastern religions) as a symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. Its characteristics are a perfect analogy for the human condition: even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the Lotus produces the most beautiful flower.