Self in Yellow: Wellbeing Inside and Out

As we just passed the halfway point of May and head towards its end,
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Self in Yellow: Wellbeing Inside and Out

As we just passed the halfway point of May and head towards its end, we’re sending a note to revisit the painting theme we began working on a couple of weeks ago, which blends the ubiquitous yellow tones found in nature at this time of the year with references to Mental Health Month. We've been painting our self-portraits using shades of yellow, focusing on the connection between personal identity and mental wellness and how we can connect both with the psychology and symbology of the color.

Initially, we were inspired by the spring pollen explosion early in the month and Louise Giovanelli's artwork 'Sarah, 2024,' painted with yellow shades.

We also drew inspiration from the cheerful imagery of William Wordsworth's poem  'I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.' The poem is referenced in Patricia Highsmith's 'The Talented Mr. Ripley,' which we recently read since we learned of the many painting references in it. A couple of the poem’s verses were used by one of the characters in the novel to describe, albeit pejoratively, a group of gay men at the beach. However, Wordsworth's mention of a field of golden daffodils, “Ten thousand saw I at a look, tossing their heads in lively dance,” perfectly illustrates our belief that external harmony can reflect internal harmony.

This relationship becomes more apparent as we continue observing Mental Health Month in May, a time to reflect on our psychological well-being and recognize the variables that influence our emotional landscapes. The bright yellow of pollen and daffodils, which is symbolically and psychologically linked with optimism and vitality, can play a positive part in the complexity of mental health. This juxtaposition encourages a deep examination of the self through painting a self-portrait, where the yellow color spectrum projects pleasant emotions and aims to disclose uplifting parts of our personalities.

In the course of the past two weeks, and as it usually happens when we embark on a subject, we’ve also learned of other aspects that blend together the month with the color.

• Yellow is known to stimulate mental activity and creativity. May, being a time when many of us feel re-energized and inspired by the longer daylight and warming weather, can be seen as a month encouraging creative pursuits and intellectual endeavors.
• Yellow is often linked to enlightenment and effective communication. As May is a month when we engage more socially and enjoy outdoor activities, yellow can symbolize the open, communicative, and lively interactions that characterize this time of year.
• May is commonly associated with graduations and the end of the academic year in many countries. The color yellow, symbolizing intellect and clarity of thought, is fitting for these celebrations of academic achievement and new beginnings.

​As we near the end of May, our journey through the vibrant spectrum of yellow in our self-portraits has deepened our understanding of the complex connections between color, mental health, and personal identity.