Meet Audrey Mathias: Visual Artist & Ballerina

We had the good fortune of connecting with Audrey Mathias and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Audrey, how do you define success?
Personally, I feel that success is a state of being. It is a contentment within yourself and an acknowledgment that you hold the power to shape your reality in a way that fulfills you. For me, that is connecting with others through my art, allowing the space for people to feel seen, and appreciating all that is good in my life. Defining success as a state of being rather than an end goal leads to a more gratifying experience on this earth.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I began working full time as a professional ballerina after high school, but have always maintained my creativity outside of the ballet studio as well. In 2020 I was able to devote all of my time to visual art, growing in a way that I had not expected. I began painting more, commissioning custom logos, and creating digital collages with photos I have taken over the years. Not only was my art so incredibly healing to me during quarantine, I was also able to connect with others and send some healing their way. That’s what I am most drawn to in building my business and community.

My shop is currently filled with graphic tees that I designed, hand picked, and heat pressed. My shirts are purchased second hand, making them sustainable and unique. There are also linocut prints of various animals in space and digital collage prints available for purchase. I have plans to sell my paintings and get back into ceramics as well. I believe that we are constantly growing, learning, and expanding in our life and I extend that belief to my art as well!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In a city as broad and expansive as Los Angeles, I think simpler is better when it comes to hosting an out-of-town friend. I would recommend starting with an activity near and dear to my heart, coffee and journaling at Philz Coffee. It’s also important to spend lots of time at the beach, so make sure to see a sunset in Malibu. For dinner, I prefer cooking dinner with friends at home and going out for a late night drive to get vegan ice cream at Salt and Straw. Lastly, no trip would be complete without visiting Mama Shelter and having a glass of sangria on their beautiful rooftop bar. I feel that the heart of LA is not in the grand activities, but in the way you feel driving with the windows down through the city with your best friends.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I believe that every person you interact with has an impact on your life and who you are, but I would like to highlight a few humans in particular! My mother, Annie, is an artist so I grew up always creating alongside her. She taught me that art is a valuable way to process your emotions and experiences. My sister, Minerva, really inspired my style growing up from wearing Doc Martens and graphic tees to joining the chess club. I also admire her ability to be there for me, something I wish to do for others. Finally, the biggest positive influence in my life is my best friend, Hannah Leigh. We have grown together in so many ways, and I am grateful to be so understood and supported by her.

Website: www.oddmat.com

Instagram: @oddmat.co