Meet Maudi Carlile | Artist

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

Hi Maudi, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always been creative and wanted to create for a living, but I grew up in the middle of a lot of struggle that discouraged an art career. It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2016 and spent a year on treatment and in bed that I had the time to sit and do the things I truly loved. I started painting at the end of 2017 and haven’t put the paint brush down since. I grew up in my mothers tattoo shop in Fresno CA and never really wanted to tattoo, the thought of someone telling me what to create was a massive turn off. In 2021 God changed my heart though, now there’s nothing more fulfilling than serving people in a way that will last them a life time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The paintings that I am truly passionate about, are the ones that embody heart and soul, uplift youth, or give hope. When I first started, I painted a lot of pain, and things I didn’t want to put out into this world as there is already an endless amount of hopelessness. My only goal as an artist is to grow in my skills to be able to articulate better and serve others with where ever the art takes me.

My tattooing style is fine line black and grey, opposite of my colorful paintings, I grew up in a shop where the walls were covered in American Traditional Designs that I love. But what I loved most was the classic black and grey, it never goes out of style.

Pursuing art full-time is a savage, but every obstacle I’ve encountered and overcame has molded me into the artist I am now. The most important things are remaining authentic and true to yourself. Also, understanding it’s about taking consistent small steps in the right direction that wins the race while remaining a student of your craft.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my friend was coming to town I would take her to either two of my favorite places to eat, “Ai Pono” in Costa Mesa for the best authentic Hawaiian food or Tatsunoya for some Ramen. I love Huntington Beach we would definitely go shopping or thrifting locally, and end it with coffee from Moon Goat and visit some local art galleries.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When I was young my father went to prison for solicitation of murder (he put a hit on my mother) and went to prison for that attempt. My mother became a single mom of 6 unruly kids, yet she did not waver. She stuck her heels in the ground and sacrificed so much to keep us all together. My mom raised us on tattooing and taught me the importance of a strong work ethic. Her fervent prayers and perseverance shaped me but most importantly, the love of Christ she showed me.

I also have a deep gratitude and admiration for my husband and his heart, who is so selfless and supportive. He’s given me a safe space to freely create and dream big.

If it wasn’t for my relationship with Christ and the freedom I have in HIM, I wouldn’t be where I am today though, much less doing work that is spiritually fulfilling and fruitful.

Website: https://www.maudionfire.com

Instagram: @maudicarlile

Facebook: Maudi Yolanda Carlile

Image Credits
Photos by Benjamin Tecson And Lorenzo Marquez