Matthew Whitney (he/his/him) is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and pedestrian. He works between drawing, painting, photography, collage, video, performance, and group facilitation, with a focus on the metaphorical and spiritual power generated through the everyday rhythms of walking, making things, and stillness. He has a BA in Art from Whitworth University and an MFA in Visual Art from Vermont College of Fine Arts. He currently serves as Creative Director at Spiritual Directors International.
My work arises from a lifelong pursuit of experience. Of the Really Real. Influenced by Czesław Miłosz’s reflection on William Blake – an ever-seeking chase after self-renewing meaning – I understand myself as an “ever-seeker,” attentive to this one life as it unfolds through the body, the senses, and lived encounter.
I enjoy travel (here’s me at a rural train station in Japan), walking (backpacking, pilgrimage, cities, or just around my neighborhood), and rooting for the Seattle Sounders FC. I’m based in Seattle, Washington where I’ve lived all my life (grew up in Bellevue).
Besides my art background, I work in spiritual guidance, which you can learn about below. I have an 18 month certification from Spiritual Guidance Training Institute, and a Mentor Training Certificate in Interspiritual Meditation from Spiritual Paths Institute.
Offerings
Spiritual Direction
One-on-one contemplative companionship for people seeking deeper meaning, creative renewal, or a fuller sense of their own interior life.
Art Retreats and Teaching
Workshops and retreat experiences, for artists at any stage who want to go deeper into their practice.
Original work for sale
Paintings, drawings, and works on paper available directly.