jess wood

biography

Jess Wood studied Religious Studies at Lancaster University and Social Anthroplogy at Oxford University where she specialised in the religions of India. She was a Research Assistant at the University of Brighton on a project exploring Hinduism in Britain and taught Hinduism and Buddhism as an adult education tutor. When she was 28, she devoted herself to painting, teaching the Bible and philosophy of religion as an 'A' level tutor part-time.

Four years ago, she converted to Liberal Judaism and has recently spent time in Israel with her partner, Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah (rabbi of Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue). Both Jess and Elli are devoted to promoting justice and peace between the two peoples of that One Land, and understanding and compassion between its three main religions - Judaism, Islam and Christianity.

Jess's recent paintings reflect her experiences in Jerusalem - a divided but holy city, where all peoples mingle but rarely meet.

Jess is the director of Allsorts Youth Project which supports LGBT young people in Brighton and Hove. She paints part-time.