Rising Stars: Meet Tavo Moctezuma

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tavo Moctezuma.

Hi Tavo, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hola! My name is Tavo. I am a Chicano artist living near downtown Phoenix! I began my journey as an artist at a very young age and fondly recall how wonderful and inspiring my art classes were as a child. I always knew in my heart that I wanted to be an artist for the rest of my life. As a kid, I would spend hours illustrating characters, images, ideas, dreams, concepts, figures, and even cosmic landscapes all in my room. It has always been so easy for me to get lost in my own world and work through journals of drawings a day; my freedom to create art is something I find to be very sacred. I was inspired by my art teacher, Cha Asokan, who introduced me to new mediums and helped me practice my skill in a safe space.

Over the years, with the help of my mentors, I was able to hone in and really find my own unique style. Ever since then I have enjoyed and experienced life as an artist; I see the world in a bizarre and colorful and magical place that inspires my illustrations and helps me create new visions on paper. I use a variety of colors, mediums, and techniques I can to portray the way I observe the spaces around me, but mostly I prefer traditional Tombow ink pens and poster-size multi-technique paper. As of today, I run a growing art account on Instagram. I am a full-time artist with a passion for art that will never go away, and I hope you find something in my pieces that help your journey, whatever that may be.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road! One issue I struggle with is allowing myself to be demotivated by other artists’ successes, especially on social media. Whether it’s a younger artist with a massive following or a more experienced artist who seems to have perfected their craft, it can be hard not to feel like I should be more “successful” or more technically skilled.

It helps to remind myself that, as artists, we are all on different journeys. I can use social media as a tool to share my work, but comparing my art to others won’t help my creativity or fuel my passion. Artists have been on this planet for almost 30,000 years, and each of them has had its own struggles and successes. I find comfort in knowing that someday my art may inspire at least one other person, that would be enough for me.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I mostly work with traditional ink pens and paper. Specifically Tombow ink pens, sharpies, colored pencils, and Micron pens. I enjoy working with other mediums such as acrylic on canvas and watercolors from time to time, but for most days I like to work with pen and paper. I enjoy abstract mixed with realistic art. You may notice elements of shading, Strong and soft color pallets.

Intricate patterns and solid line structures. My art is known to be psychedelic, ethereal and eclectic. I have been told by collectors that they enjoy observing and getting lost in my illustrations for hours, My art is inspired heavily by movies like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Pan Labyrinth, and 2001: A space odyssey. I am fascinated by cosmic imagery, mushrooms, seasonal foliage, patterns, and lengthy line-work.

We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I find success in a completed illustration. When I feel like a piece is done and ready to be shared, I feel proud of that alone. I feel successful in that I have had the ability to create original artwork. I am proud to have understood and embraced what it means to be a living, creative artist.

I do have the desire to share my work with others. I’m currently working towards having my art displayed in local galleries and publications. I think seeing my work published in that way would be like a validation of my personal success.

Pricing:

• $800 – 18″ x 24″ – Spiritual Eternal
• $700 – 18″ x 24″ – Allergy Season
• $700 – 18″ x 24″ – Mia Wallace
• $950 – 18″ x 24″ – Nopal
• From $15 – Wall art & Prints

Contact Info:

• Website: Artedetavo.com
• Instagram: @artedetavo