"When you move like a jellyfish
Rhythm don't mean nothing
You go with the flow
You don't stop
Move like a jellyfish
Rhythm is nothing
You go with the flow
You don't stop"
- John Mayer
During this weird era of COVID-19, these lyrics apply more than ever, as we are required to endlessly go with the flow, and although it is tempting, we cannot stop with our efforts - to stay safe, and to live our lives.
Go With the Flow, 24x36, Multi-Medium, available for sale
So why paint a jellyfish? I'm glad you asked... This year, I have decided to dedicate my body of work to exploring endangered species, raising awareness and education as to why they are currently endangered and investigating what kind of assistance they need. When I sell a painting, I will be donating a portion of the proceeds to a related organization that is on the ground doing the good work to help.
Jellyfish are not commonly endangered, however, there was a rare species of freshwater jellyfish discovered in China, referred to as Peach Blossom jellyfish, which were listed as critically endangered in 2002 due to freshwater pollution. Their scientific name is craspedacusta sowerbii, also known as 'water pandas'. They are translucent in colour, though they have been photographed in many vibrant colours, and are extremely small, around the size of a small coin. There used to be many freshwater jellyfish across China, but this is no longer the case. As a result, a portion of the proceeds of this painting will be donated to China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation.
Me pictured with Go With the Flow, 24x36, Multi-Medium, available for sale
The Peach Blossom Jellyfish is not considered to be dangerous to humans. It is considered to have the potential to significantly alter zooplankton communities, and therefore, aquatic food webs. Originating in the Yangtze River in China, these freshwater jellyfish have made their way all around the world, except for Antarctica and this particularly rare species has existed for 550 million years, predating dinosaurs.
These jellyfish normally asexually reproduce, and grow to a diameter between 15 to 25 millimeters with tentacles of about 20 millimeters. These "living fossils" thrive in clean, clear water that's between 25 C and 32 C, and feed on animal plankton, which is why they are often observed between June and October, when the water is at the right temperature and there is sufficient food.
Zhang Wenjie, an environmental scientist and engineering professor at Guilin University of Technology in South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, said that the freshwater jellyfish not only looks beautiful, they are also a key species in the study of evolution, giving them high academic value. Freshwater jellyfish once lived throughout China, but because of pollution, they are now only found in a handful of places. It is required to have the continued treatment of wastewater before it is released into natural waters in order for this to happen.
Go With the Flow, 24x36, Multi-Medium, available for sale
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