Woodlouse study 3: Co-regulate with me

Woodlouse study 3: Co-regulate with me
Acrylic on primed linen canvas with 3D paperclay, 2025 | 18cm x 14cm

This piece is part of my mini collection, a dive into experimentation of techniques while also showcasing the incredible mini beasts we share our local environment with. They are a reminder to slow down and really relish the small joys we come across daily. 

This little friends are "Oniscus asellus" or common woodlouse. They are the nutrient recyclers of our garden and woodland environments, making sure all the dead matter gets turned back into something useful. They are a being that is taken for granted, without their impact our eco systems would suffer massively. 

Research has shown that behaviour "contagion" can happen in groups of woodlice, meaning that a calm woodlouse would help relax his excited neighbour. This seems like what we experience as co-regulation, when we support each other to soothe by remaining calm and holding space for feelings. 

I hope these two pals could help be someone's tiny support system. They remain calm plodding through their splash of moss, and when looking at this piece and taking some calming breathes, they may support you to regulate too.