Meet Maria Tavarez | Abstract expressionist artist, writer, mother, spiritualist

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

Hi Maria, why did you pursue a creative career?
I believe the universe kicked me into gear. I started painting again in 2021 while dealing with depression. I was avoiding the things that were weighing me down and it finally reached the point of boiling over. I was crying one morning while working from home listening to meditation music. Wanting to find the cause of the tears, I started painting a mural on my dining room wall. Right there in front of me was my, “why”. The cause of the tears .

That was my sign, my voice. I wanted to paint and help others find their voice/truth through art.

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 am a self taught abstract impressionist expressionist artist. My work is geared towards mental health awareness and sparking the conversation of Afro Latinex. I’m most excited about becoming a muralist within the Triangle Area. My journey started in 2021, when I did a mural in my dinning room wall. I soon after responded to an art call and dis my first exhibition in California. It wasn’t easy, there were many mixed feelings. Overcoming imposter syndrome, getting out of my own head and stopping negative self talk took consistent meditation focus and acceptance.one of the biggest lessons I learned along the way is to keep going. Regardless of rejection, moving past my own obstacles is my responsibility. My goal is to help others find their voice through art.

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?
If my friend came to visit I would sign us up to visit Artspace in Raleigh, then go to Sir Walter for coffee and a snack

We would take a stroll through the CAM and then head over to Morgan Food Hall for some drinks and food. On Wednesday night I would take her to Little City Brewing + Provisions Co for live music, open mic and chill vibes. Thursday we would go to the farmers market and then the museum of art in Raleigh.
Friday night we would go to the Haitian center for the Jambalaya Soul SLAM which happens once a month at 804 Old Fayetteville St Durham, NC. We would end the weekend with a girls brunch on Saturday at The Kitchen Table at Relish, then hit Crabtree mall to walk off the calories. Last day of her trip Sunday, we would go for a walk through Durant Park.

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 want to shout out Eric McRay, Peter Marin and Art for All-NC for my guidance, encouragement and mentorship and I pursue my art career.

Shout out to Griot and Grey Owl for letting me be involved in the process of administrative duties and learning what it takes to put an event together.

Instagram: @Moonchild_liv_lov

Facebook: Maria Tavarez

Image Credits
Khalisa Rae, Eric Thompson