How much do you relate to the struggles of a salmon? Swimming upstream while dodging the enemies of life? Do you have a big goal you’re striving toward?

This is the theme Wataru Yoshimoto explored after experiencing salmon fishing in Norway. The sounds and music he composed from that experience invited all kinds of artists to take part in the theme.

 

 

That inspired Liisa Addi to paint the struggles of a salmon: an underwater creature that reminded her of her own challenges as a neurodivergent person and, on another level, as a freediver.
Liisa believes we are all dealt different cards in life: often not the ones we would choose. We can be angry, grieve, and mourn the ones we weren’t given, and then shift our focus to the strengths we do have. Life isn’t fair, and we are reminded of that through various experiences again and again. But at the end of the day, we have to keep swimming upstream with the skills we’ve been given—to reach the goals we dream of.

 

 

Part of a salmon’s life is spent in water, its safe sanctuary. The saying “like a fish in water” reflects that natural habitat, and how we, too, can shape our lives to feel that way.

 

 

Liisa Addi feels her best in Estonian nature, enjoying its beauty and the gentle breeze. Taking time off and sharing good memories with friends brings her peace. Like salmon, when we are surrounded by like-minded people, we feel the safest. Our self-esteem and creativity flourish with the right support, making the challenges of life much easier to face.

 

 

That’s how this series was born: to reflect the life of a salmon and what we can learn from their journey. Humans and nature go hand in hand: if we don’t learn from nature’s wisdom and importance, how can we truly respect and value its needs?