Artist behind Miami's tiny paintings reflects as she moves on
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A few of Cavazos' favorite paintings. Photo: Sommer Brugal/Axios
Taylor Cavazos, whose tiny paintings have spread like wildfire across social media in recent months, is saying farewell to Miami after a decade in the local art scene.
Why it matters: Big or small, her work has left a mark on the 305, and it's bound to be missed as she embarks on her new chapter in Austin, Texas.
The big picture: Cavazos' art has been featured at Wynwood Walls and the Center for Social Change.
- She's also led intergenerational art workshops and donated work to support local ocean conservation efforts.
State of paint: Six months ago, Cavazos began painting her favorite Miami establishments on tiny canvases she turned into magnets, and they eventually became the Mini Miami Series.
- The first was Gramps in Wynwood, a project she embarked on after learning it was closing.
- Wanting to memorialize it, she snapped a pic of the iconic sign, orange walls and front patio.
- Once it was finished, she returned to the establishment to take a new picture — this time with her painting at the forefront, a key step that became part of her routine and the project as a whole.
What they're saying: "This whole thing was born out of a passion project for me to remember Miami and get back to the places [I love]," she told Axios.
- But it also became a way to say goodbye to the owners and leave her mark.
- (She gifted the original Gramps painting to owner Adam Gersten. And her painting of El Bagel on Biscayne Boulevard is also displayed at the shop.)
Zoom in: Despite the challenges of a smaller canvas, Cavazos landed on the tiny paintings because she's "obsessed with tiny things" but also for practical reasons, she said.
- When the idea to paint Gramps sparked, she was running out of paint and all she had were the tiny canvases.
- "A lot of [artists] are ruled by the supplies we have."
Zoom out: Since launching the series, Cavazos has painted over 75 tiny storefronts or landmarks — about 30 of which are from South Florida.
- The collection includes beloved local establishments including Panther Coffee in Wynwood, Monty's in Coconut Grove and Books & Books in the Gables.
- She also painted other South Florida spots, including the Bonnet House Museum & Garden and the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm.
The bottom line: The whole purpose of the project is to return, she said.
- So as she prepares for her move to Austin, she's hopeful she'll someday come back to the places that have left a mark, both in Miami and elsewhere.
