My paintings are where instinct and reflection come together, capturing who I am in a given moment. Each piece feels like an imprint—kind of like a layered monoprint of emotions, choices, and experiences that come and go. To me, they’re snapshots of life, pressed into the surface, each one holding a part of me. My process is fluid and intuitive, shaped by spontaneity but also moments of thought. It mirrors the way life unfolds—one moment stacking on top of another, each leaving its own unique mark.
As both a therapist and an artist, I’ve come to think of what I do as working with “emotional residue.” In therapy, clients share their stories with me. They share their joys, their pains, their hopes. Everything. Those moments stay with me. They leave a trace. And honestly, I can’t carry all of that around forever. My paintings become a space to hold those emotions, to process them in a way that words can’t always express. Painting lets me release some of that weight while also honoring it. Memorializing is important. In a way, it’s not so different from the idea of the therapeutic “container” I create for my clients—a safe space to hold and process emotional energy. You can see those layers of containment and residue right in my work, which becomes a visual record of that process. Painting sessions are usually short bursts or expressions. 5, 10, 15 minutes. Sometimes longer, but just enough time for me to rinse the residue off of me and prepare for my next encounter.
I find a lot of inspiration in artists like Cy Twombly, with his raw, emotional gestures, and Jasper Johns, who layers time and memory into his work. Joan Mitchell, though, is someone I feel especially connected to—her wild, layered brushstrokes feel like they’re alive with energy and emotion. I also love Helen Frankenthaler’s way of letting intuition and experimentation lead her. These artists remind me that the act of making art—the movement, the choices, the mess—is just as meaningful as whatever image I end up with. Maybe even more so.
For me, every painting is a living, breathing thing. It shifts depending on how it’s seen—by whom, in what light, and in what moment. In that way, my work is a conversation. It responds to you as much as it speaks.
I can’t separate being an artist from being a therapist—they flow into each other. They’re one and the same. The artist in me shapes how I connect with people, and the therapist in me brings a sense of vulnerability and depth to my creative process. I see myself as part of a long line of artist-healers—people like Mark Rothko, whose work feels like a meditative space, or Louise Bourgeois, who poured her emotions into her sculptures. Like them, I want my work to connect—to create spaces where imperfections are celebrated, where our shared humanity feels visible and alive.
TJ Walsh, BFA, MA, LPC, NCC, CCTP is an innovative painter, badass Clini-Coach®, and dynamic psychotherapist, educator, brand strategist, and higher education administrator based in Philly.
He writes and speaks on the topics of art, culture, faith, and mental health and his work is exhibited and published internationally.
TJ has worked at the colorful intersection of creativity, art, therapy, and education for over 20 years and is an expert in creativity, relationships, fear, and procrastination.
He received his BFA in Graphic Design from The University of the Arts, Philadelphia and his MA in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Eastern University, Saint Davids, PA. He is trained psychodynamically, is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Prior to his work in mental health and higher education administration, he was a Creative Director, Art Director, and Director of Communications for several national and international nonprofit organizations in NYC and Philly where he specialized in brand development, corporate communications, non-profit marketing, social media engagement, fundraising communications, project management, and strategic planning.
He believes every human being is inherently creative – particularly when they access their authentic selves – and is passionate about helping people understand who they are and what their vision, mission, and purpose is as a creative. He’s also a mega fan of connecting people via his expansive network.
TJ is on the board of directors for InLiquid, a nonprofit arts organization, where he serves as the Chair, and the Philadelphia Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy (PCEFT).
He currently lives in Philly with his wife and two sons, a dog and cat, 65 houseplants and counting, and a robust and growing collection of artwork from emerging artists.
2016
Eastern University, St. Davids, PA
MA, Counseling Psychology
2007
The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA
BFA, Graphic Design
2013
Tighe, Samantha, "‘Art Unleashed’ Showcases Work By Two Delco Artists," Delaware County News Network, Tuesday, April 02, 2013
2012
"INLIQUID: An Artist's Acts of Worship, Communication and Charity," Flying Kite Media, October 2012
2011
Evans, Elrena, "A Conversation with Two Artists," Uncover the Word: American Bible Studies, November 2011
2010
Deshano, Troy, “Odorifous: TJ Walsh,” Strong Odors, May 2010
2013
Walsh, TJ, "Finding Beauty through the Practice of Creating: An Artist’s Reflection," Transpositions, University of St. Andrews, Scotland, April 24, 2013
2011
Martin, Gail A., Eliu Cornielle, Malorie Tull, Timoth J. Walsh, Jr, You Will Dance, American Bible Society/She’s My Sister, New York, NY
American Bible Society, New York, NY
Gail A. Martin, Haverford, PA
Sarah and Nathan Friend, Allentown, PA
Sharon L. Sacks, Haverford, PA
Board President, Stand Up. Demand Action (SUDA)
Alumni Council Member, University of the Arts
Member, AIGA
Member, InLiquid
Member, CIVA
2013
InLiquid Benefit v.13, Ice Box Project Space, Philadelphia, PA
2024
Soul Signatures, Taylor University, Upland IN
2013
Deep Dive, The Gryphon, Wayne, PA
2011
Listening, American Bible Society, New York, NY
2013
2013 Member Exhibition: InLiquid, PPAC, Second State Press, Ice Box Project Space and Grey Area, Crane Arts Building, Philadelphia, PA
JustART, CIVA Annual Conference Exhibition, Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL
The View from Deliverance, Blick Art Materials, Philadelphia, PA
Art Unleashed, The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA
2012
Featured, Burlap and Bean Coffee, Newtown Square, PA
Evidence of Things Unseen, The Church of the Good Samaritan, Paoli, PA
The Faces of uArts, The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA
DAS:BAM, 1616 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Making It, The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA
2012
Advent, The Church of the Good Samaritan, Paoli, PA
