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Devon Mathews
Literary Arts: Author/Writer, Playwright, Poet; Media Arts: Filmmaker, Producer, Radio/Television Talent, Voiceover; Multi-Disciplinary: Multiple Art Forms, Performer and Writer; Performing Arts: Actor, Band, Choreographer, Dancer, Director, Musician, Performance Art, Spoken Word Artist, Storyteller, Vocalist/Singer; Teaching Artist/Instructor
I have been an independent, professional artist in San Antonio for almost all of my life. I am proud product of the City’s Eastside, yet many do not know the strides and struggles of my success as an African American, woman artist. I have been on stage doing live theater since the age of 7 at the Carver Cultural Center, have had my live band, DevSoul, for over 15 years, and now I’m ushering in a new era here in SA through my new production company, Art Noir Productions. We will be a company that produces and promotes art and music that represents stories and experiences from an African-American perspective and more. As an evolving creative, I am now producing and screenwriting short films. The sky is the limit! I am ready to lend my voice not only by having a seat at the table; but by constructing a table so that we may all have a seat to sit and be represented. Asé.
Resume (PDF)
MORE ABOUT THIS ARTIST
Artist Style: Dance: Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Modern; Literary: Children, Documentary, Fiction, History, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Prose, Romance, Slam; Music: A Cappella, Acoustic, Blues, Children's Music, Choral, Christian, Classic Rock, Covers/Tribute, Dance/Electronic, Disco, Funk, Gospel, Hip-Hop/Rap, Jazz, National Anthem, Neo-Soul, Pop, Rap, Reggae, Retro, Seasonal, Soul/R&B, Wedding; Teaching Artist/Instructor: Group Instruction, Guest Speaker, Instruction for Adults, Instruction for Children, Instruction for Seniors, Instruction for Special Needs, Multi-Day Artist Residency, Performer for Schools/Classrooms, Private Lessons, Workshop Presenter; Theatre: Cabaret/Variety, Comedy, Drama, Improv, Musicals, Political, Solo/One-Person
Artist Statement of Work
Tell us about your work (style, approach, philosophy, subject and/or theme):
Who am I? My name is Devon Mathews and I make art with my voice, my body, my heart, and my mind. I am the lead singer of my band, DevSoul, and the artistic director of my performing arts company, Art Noir Productions.
I create art because it is important to utilize my gifts as a platform to help others grow, evolve, and become better. By booking performances, curating artistic events, actively studying my craft, I am able to create opportunities for underrepresented groups with limited access to resources.
Who am I? I often ask myself this when preparing a work of art, though my answer is never the same. My work as an artist is my communication, my language of sorts, to anyone I cross paths with and who wants to receive it. Refreshing, emotional, vivd, are words I'd use to describe my process. Writing is second only to watching it play out in my head and bringing it to life. With main themes of women and girls, family, Black culture, and mental health, my work explores how to navigate the variables and curve balls that life throws your way. How can I turn my work into work of substance and not just entertainment? I have to take Devon out.
Taking myself out of the blueprint allows me to create from a place of focus on the bigger picture. Trial and error have been the greatest teachers. Whether live music, theater, or cinema, my personality shines through my work. I approach each performance like it's my last. The person in the back of the theater should be able to get the same energy as the person on the front row.
Culturally Specific Art Category
Select Culturally Specific Art Category:: Black or African American
