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)
A.Th. (Art Therapist)
