ABOUT MATANANDA

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. Since then, I have concentrated on developing my own artistic style and direction working in abstracts and mixed media.

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. 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.

Meaningful beauty is a concept that is powerful for me. My aim is to convey beauty that is not superficial and has depth. This is art that attempts to express that which cannot be expressed; the mystery of life on earth and in the cosmos. By both delving into the deeper questions that concern such perspectives and relating to them through art, I hope to create meaningful beauty.

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.

Sedona 2009

Jerusalem 2011