I live and work in N Derbyshire where the Dark Peak of millstone grit edges, moors and reservoirs meets the White Peak of limestone gorges, caverns and stone walled pastures. I work outside as much as possible carrying in my rucsac a variety of art materials to suit different situations. Whilst working I become as one with the landscape, grounded on rock and imbued with wind and weather creating dynamic paintings which contain change and movement.

Derbyshire Landscapes

I’ve always had a strong sense of identity with landscape from my roots in NE Yorkshire. I studied at the Slade school of Fine Art and then taught in Nigeria for ten years. On return to UK, I taught in Sheffield and then trained as an Art therapist, gaining an MA in Art and Psychotherapy at Sheffield University.
I worked at Sheffield Family Service Unit for 5 years and am now self employed working in my studio at Blackberry Barn, Bamford, as an artist/tutor/therapist. When painting my approach is very similar to the way in which I work as a Therapist. I seek to encounter each situation, person or landscape with anticipation and respect, then I work alongside in a process of reflection and interpretation, re-creating their story in the tangible substance of paint, encouraging the essence of their being to emerge, whilst I act as midwife.
As a Christian, I’m very conscious of the ongoing creative process between self and creation and Creator through the reconciliation which Christ offers in the dynamic work of the Spirit. When painting I search for meeting points, for interactions between elements, structures and emotions, it is at that deep touching place where new energy and new possibilities are created. The spaces in between the action allow respite for reflection and reverie “Be still and know...”

  This gift of creativity is to share -
   Jenny Mather M.A. (Art and Psychotherapy)
   D.F.A. (Diploma in Fine Art - Slade School London)
  A.T.C. (Art Teacher’s Certificate)
  R.A.Th. (Registered Art Therapist)

Follow this link to the Axis Artists website for a more detailed CV

Who I am

A very local activity was to facilitate the Touchstone Trail as the Bamford Millennium Project