About Nathaniel Mather


Nathaniel Mather is an American contemporary painter and illustrator based in the Nashville, Franklin area. His work is known for its playful symbolism, textured surfaces, and narrative imagery that blends primitive-style aesthetics with modern expression.

 Mather’s work has also included paintings created for children’s hospital environments, where art is used to bring comfort, color, and imagination into healing spaces. He continues to develop new work from his studio in Franklin.

 

Background and Education

Mather was born and raised in California and studied art at two well-known institutions:

  • California Institute of the Arts

  • ArtCenter College of Design

After his education, he built a career as both a fine artist and illustrator, eventually relocating to Tennessee where he continues to work today.

Artistic Style

Mather’s paintings often feature:

  • animals such as horses, donkeys, birds, and other symbolic creatures

  • flowers and natural elements

  • rough-edged patches of color and textured surfaces

He commonly works with acrylic paint, oil pastel, ink, paper, and other mixed materials to build layered textures and graphic elements on canvas or board.

Themes and Inspiration

Much of Mather’s art reflects:

  • spirituality and a personal dialogue with God

  • emotional experiences from daily life

  • symbolic imagery representing human relationships and emotions

For example, he has explained that animals, birds, and flowers in his paintings often represent emotional or spiritual themes.

Career and Clients

In addition to gallery work, Mather has worked professionally as an illustrator for organizations such as:

  • Warner Bros. / Reprise Records

  • Brown University

  • Johns Hopkins University

  • American Lawyer Magazine and other publications.

His paintings are represented by galleries in several U.S. cities, including:

  • Anne Irwin Fine Art, Atlanta, GA

  • The District Gallery, Knoxville, TN

  • Bee Street Gallery, Dallas, TX

  • Rice Polak Gallery, Provincetown, MA

  • Nancy Dodds Gallery, Carmal, CA

  • Jules Place Art Gallery, Boston, MA

  • Spoonbill Gallery, Greenville, SC

  • Gurin Art Gallery, South Korea

Collections and Clients

Yale University Children’s Hospital

University of Iowa Children’s Hospital

University of Virgina Hospital

East Tennessee Children’s Hospital

UCLA Health Systems

Scripps Health Systems

University of Chicago

Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Peter Frampton World Tour

Suite 28 records

Marriott Corporation

Nashville Chamber Orchestra