"Koi no takinobori" is a phrase in Japanese that means "the carp climbs the waterfall." It describes a carp that is so strong that it can swim up a waterfall and once it reaches the top, it transforms into a dragon, and becomes even more powerful!

Here is a great article that will go deeper into it and explain very beautifully.

I use it to describe my work because it describes how I approach art in my life. That I have to persevere just like the little carp in order to improve my art and reach people, and that once I reach the top of my waterfall, I'll be able to perform music on a stage and sell my darkroom prints to people.

I don't know how difficult it is being an artist for neurotypicals, but adding ADHD onto the pile makes it even harder for me to plan the steps that I need to take for organizing a gig, practicing, and writing and recording my own music, not to mention cooking, cleaning, and exercising to take care of myself AND work 40 hours a week just like everybody else! There needs to be a change.