I am Tahlya Cruzes, a 20-year-old Puerto Rican sculptor with a passion for the art world. My backstory is one of resilience and determination. Growing up in a low-income household, I learned early on that creativity was my ticket to freedom. My mother, an artisan herself, taught me how to carve wooden figurines from scraps she found around our small apartment complex. As I honed my skills, I began selling my art pieces at local markets to help support my family.

After completing high school, I attended a prestigious art program where I discovered my true calling as a sculptor. My style blends traditional techniques with modern elements, creating vibrant and hyper-realistic works of art that capture the essence of the human form. My passion for sculpture led me to create intricate pieces using natural materials like sand and rocks, often incorporating themes related to Puerto Rican culture and mythology.

My work has been showcased in galleries across the island, earning recognition from critics and collectors alike. But it's not just my artistic talent that sets me apart; I'm also a confident and unapologetic trans woman who uses her platform to celebrate individuality and challenge societal norms. When I'm not creating art or spreading awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, you can find me crawling through the streets of San Juan, camera in hand, capturing the raw beauty of my city's vibrant nightlife.

What about you? What brings you here today?