VOYAGE MIA
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is freedom of expression. As an artist, my work is deeply personal—a reflection of my culture, my experiences, and my emotions. The ability to create without fear of censorship or restriction is something I never take for granted.
I remember living in Miami in December 2021, when nearly 300 artists and activists gathered at the gates of the Ministry of Culture in Havana, calling for artistic and personal freedoms in Cuba. It made international news because these artists risked everything to demand a dialogue with the government, hoping to give the Cuban people a voice in shaping their own future. That moment stayed with me because it was a stark reminder that the freedom I have to create– a freedom that is not universal.
SHOUTOUT MIAMI
Hi Taylor, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor has been staying true to my roots and embracing authenticity in my work. Early on, my colorful, patterned artwork found an audience, but it wasn’t until I leaned into my Mexican-American upbringing that I truly found my stride. Growing up along the border of Mexico, I was surrounded by rich cultural traditions and vibrant stories that have deeply influenced my art. Today, I focus on painting calaveras, those beautifully intricate sugar skulls associated with Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), and creating textured, three-dimensional pieces that celebrate Mexico’s history and culture. My work often features recurring motifs of Frida Kahlo, La Virgen de Guadalupe, and other iconic figures. By tapping into these personal and cultural inspirations, I’ve been able to create art that resonates deeply with people, bringing a genuine and heartfelt connection to my audience.
Voyage MIA
“So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.”
”I am a Mexican-American artist from the borderland of South Texas. My work takes influences from traditional Mexican art, with its bright colors, ornate details, and textured surfaces. Many of my paintings reference historical icons of Mexican culture, such as La Virgen de Guadalupe and Frida Kahlo, but I attempt to give them new life by incorporating endless dot-and-swirl patterns into all of my pieces.”
Time Out Miami
“Cavazos—an accomplished artist who’s exhibited her colorful, Mexican-American–inspired paintings across Miami—is now she’s giving it away to folks who donate to the ACLU and NAACP. For every $50 donation, she’ll send you one of her adorable magnets, and for every $100, she’ll ship you a 5”x7” or 6”x8” acrylic on canvas. All you have to do is DM her on Instagram with proof of donation.”