My name is Mayte. I am a Cuban American immigrant who left Cuba twenty-two years ago. I fled a system that has never worked and will never provide freedom.I became an artist in Minnesota, the place I now call home. In 2012 I took my first drawing class (at a place called Articulture in Minneapolis) only to realize that I was more interested in art than I thought. Now I am a painter. I use oil paint on canvas in most of my work, as well as some charcoal, graphite, and pastel. I like working in a variety of sizes in my pieces; I believe all sizes have their unique touch and can capture a specific mood.  Or they can simply be right for a place depending on its size. My work can range from monochromatic to a variety of colors.One of my favorite artists of all time is Francisco de Goya. I love looking at his art and finding the drama within. I am inspired by the expressions of the characters in his paintings. The feeling resonates with many of the portraits I have made in my life.I love making portraits of people and animals. What inspires me is mostly a look, an expression, or a sentiment that I perceive. When painting people that I know, I try to show what they transmit to me with their eyes and their presence. When I paint, it feels as if my soul is helping me create, like my spirit works with me and together we capture the expression of the soul and the essence of the moment I am witnessing. I love the process of making an art piece - the sketching and certainly the feeling of the brushes on canvas. When looking at the final product it truly feels like magic.I’ve been so lucky to have people purchase several of my pieces. It feels wonderful to have my artwork in people’s homes, I truly appreciate when someone acquires my work or when they commission my work, trusting my ideas and style.

Mayte was born in Lawton, a small barrio in Havana, Cuba. She always had an interest in art. When she and her sister were little their mother always made their clothes; beautiful dresses and outfits. Maytecíta, or little Mayte, was always curious and fascinated to see her mother doing such an interesting activity. Cutting fabrics, sewing on buttons, ribbons, the treads. The confection of garments all created by a unique and seasoned “treadle sewing machine.” As Mayte developed a deep interest and love of sewing her mother started to teach her a few skills.In October 2001, Mayte immigrated from Cuba to NYC where she lived for several months before moving to Minnesota; a place she now calls home.One day in 2012, Mayte watched an interview of Isabel and Ruben Toledo, two Cuban Americans, who for Mayte, represent elegance, pride, and simplicity. It was then that she found her way to art.By the end of 2012, Mayte took a drawing class at Articulture in Minneapolis. To her surprise, she discovered that she had a skill for drawing. More importantly, she discovered how she felt while creating art.In 2013, Mayte enrolled at MCTC and will be getting her Associate Degree in Fine Arts this year.Her other passion is travel. In the 10 years since beginning her journey with art she has visited three continents, thirteen countries, and numerous towns and cities. She has always made contact with local artists for gathering and to exchange experiences.Mayte had an art exhibit in 2018 in the Twins Cities and at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College in 2023. Since the summer of 2023 she has her Tote Bags on display for sale at Mudluk Pottery, a Studio and Gallery located in Minneapolis; a place where the community is the meaning for their Art.
She continues passionately make art at her studio in Plymouth, Minnesota.