A Coffee Cup Conversation: 'A Bunch Of Jellyfish'.

Every artist has a journal or a practice book or file portfolio... and I was, and still am, that kind of artist.

But as I've gotten older and more self aware, there are times where you feel that a canvas is more appropriate to practice on. Possibly because it is a little more 'serious' than the humble beloved journal.

I find the times of art therapy or conscious creativity demands this in me so its become a recent thing where I am now doing random 25cm x 30cm canvas 'doodles'. I also use a very basic range of primary and some tertiary colours that are on hand from my paint pens, so what once was availability and convenience has now curiously become a form of chromotherapy.

This is a bit busy, more than I usually like, in that the jellyfish are crammed upon each other, and when it was done, I was appraising it as congested, and too tired to chuck it out then and there, it was something that could wait to be done in the morning.

The picture looked very different in the natural twilight to the brightness of sunrise.

This morning as I sit with my supersized morning coffee (cause you know the first cup of the day is always the best one) this picture took on a whole different appearance and energy.

When it was created in my angst and anxiety, it was feeling bold and broody, my typical styling of the black made it look too chunky and busy together. I was definitely in 'the low energy zone'.

But this morning, now I have woken up from a night's sleep and there is natural light filtering in on it, ok I still see it as busy, but it has curiously also now however not seeming to be so weighed down with my mood. And that's the beauty of art therapy. WHat was once a process of creative expression, now has become the hindsight reflection.

Depending on what level you wish to take this on as a label or definition as an artist experience, it is a reminder that some things are always better to be expressed, then left in a safe space for another relook after having a chance to sleep on it.

Nothing is ever a waste, and sometimes needs an objective review before a judgement is made. The need for being less self critical and take the time necessary to forgivingly self reflect during times of mood, essential.

Clearly my bunched jelly fish (maybe I should should call this particular piece 'Bunch of Jellyfish') have said more than I realised at the time and actually their 'busy formation' isnt a mistake but rather, a visual communication that my mood was feeling the need for the aquatic fluidity and freedom that a jellyfish enjoys, while it was feeling congested and vibrant at the same time.

Tip: If you are someone who experiences PTSD, CPTSD, a mood disorder or mute with flight or fawn response, take the time to explore chromotherapy as part of your art therapy self care management. Learn your visual language for the self and see what healing and peace it brings.

'A Bunch Of Jellyfish' (c) 2025 Jody Arnold. Mood Regulation Art Therapy using Chromotherapy.