Nishikigoi of Souls, 2022, mixed media on canvas, 48 x 12 in. / 121.92 x 30.48 cm.

Nishikigoi of Souls, Emily Candela McLaughlin, 2022, mixed media on canvas, 48 x 12 in. / 121.92 x 30.48 cm.

oil paint over collage on canvas

The legendary Nishikigoi, pinnacle of Japanese koi fish, circle together, intermediaries between this and spiritual worlds. My process of layering down photos altered by cutting and painting, then incorporating all in ridges and details of more paint, means each painting takes months to complete.