ABOUT MATANANDA

Bio

I was born in Scotland and raised in northern England. Before I was eighteen years old, I was planning on going to art school. But my life took me in another direction after I had a major transformational spiritual experience. Putting art on hold, I spent time abroad in France, and then earned a B.A. in International Relations, French, and History from Teesside University.

After receiving a post-graduate scholarship to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in international relations (including working at the Truman Institute), Jerusalem became my home. Over time, people learned of my spiritual gifts. Eventually, I devoted all my time to teaching Kabbalah and providing spiritual guidance. In 2000, I left my practice and traveled to India, Nepal and Tibet before moving to the States. In 2003, I began to refocus on my artistic direction. Since then, I have concentrated on developing my own artistic style working in abstracts and mixed media.

Art Statement

I am a self-taught artist. I meditate before I paint and bless the board. I endeavor to enter into a spaciousness that allows something to come out of the quiet space of nothingness. My inspiration to paint could be sparked by remnants of a story, a dream, or a feeling of connection with something greater than myself. It is a time beyond time where I can let go of the busyness of the day and also the hardness of what is going on in the world.

I engage my spirituality with my art making; it is an ongoing dialogue. I don’t know where it will take me next, but I am open! My approach to art is universal. I draw on my spiritual experiences to create a body of work that embraces and explores Spirit and beauty.