Bio


I was born in Scotland and raised in northern England. I gained a B.A. with honors in International Relations, History and French from Teesside University. That led to a post-graduate scholarship to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem for 2 years. After finishing my program, I stayed in Jerusalem, eventually devoting all my time as a Kabbalah teacher and spiritual guide providing individual counseling, workshops and classes. In 2000, I left my practice and was guided to travel to India, Nepal and Tibet.


In 2001, I moved to the United States with my husband Levi Ben-Shmuel.  In 2003, I began to refocus on my artistic direction. This was inspired by a dream I had whilst pregnant with my as yet unborn son. In the dream, he appeared to me and told me to paint. Since then, I have concentrated on developing my own artistic style and direction working in abstracts and mixed media.


I have always enjoyed writing, including short stories and poetry. I look forward to publishing my series of angel stories for children plus other works.



 

Art Statement


Before I was 18 years old, I was planning on going to art school, but my life took me in another direction. I had a major transformational spiritual experience. Following that experience I received spiritual gifts and access to spiritual teachers and realms. From the time I had this remarkable experience, I began my spiritual work that continues to this day. Having been on the spiritual path for over 30 years, I bring a spiritual consciousness to all my creative endeavors.


My approach to art is universal. I draw on my own spiritual experiences to create a body of work that embraces, explores and magnifies Spirit.




Copyright 2010 by Matananda Ben-Shmuel. All rights reserved.