Natasha Rivero shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Natasha, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Who are you learning from right now?
I am learning from someone that I didn’t expect to be in my life at the moment. They teach me how it is to show up for yourself, even in moments where you may be embarrassed or it’s difficult because you’re counting yourself out. I’m learning that it’s okay to be excited for things once again, and how it is to yearn for things that you want in life. You do, unfortunately, have to cope with things not going the way you planned, but only do that after it ACTUALLY happens. Not prepare for the worst just to protect yourself from disappointment. I’m also realizing how radical it is to be super vulnerable online or even in person. They get surprised about how open I am when I’m struggling and sharing details, because I am looking to rely on community. Sometimes people’s egos get in the way, because at this big age I’m supposed to have everything figured out. But sometimes we do need to vocalize that we need help, because if people can, they will help you in any capacity they can. The beautiful thing is, we can learn from each other to be better individuals.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Natasha Rivero but I go by Tasha. Three Dot, or even Dot with some people. I’m a self-taught mixed-media artist with Afro-Cuban roots, raised in Las Vegas and now based in Los Angeles. My work blends oil paint, denim, yarn, and wood panels to explore themes of identity, culture, and transformation. A lot of my inspiration comes from real people and lived experiences, friendship, community, and the quiet moments of everyday life.
What makes my work unique is the way I combine traditional techniques with unconventional materials, letting textures and layers tell stories that feel both personal and collective. I see creativity as interconnected. So my art often reflects the ways we shape and are shaped by the people and spaces around us.
Right now, I’m working on a portrait series that will be shown in an upcoming gallery exhibition next year, I have 100 portraits to do and I’m 1/10th of the way there! This project is especially meaningful because it’s not just about painting likenesses, it’s about honoring vulnerability, community, and the beauty of being seen. Its been a long time coming.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Who taught me the most about work is my dad. My dad came from Cuba around the time Fidel gave the OK to leave and at 24 years old he had me. Some people can relate with their parents coming here and making something for themselves, build a life, and start a family. I’ve seen him always make things happen, maybe not in a conventional way all the time but I never had to worry about eating and having clothes on my back. You have to imagine what its like to come from a country that didn’t have much food available nor necessities for the average person due to political differences. The U.S. embargo against Cuba basically restricted trade and financial transactions with Cuba all because Cuba was gaining independence from The U.S. and of course they didn’t like that. Depending on who you ask, Fidel or The United States were at fault. I say all that to set the scene of what my father was able to accomplish when I was young. It taught me if I wanted nice things I have to work hard for it. I have privileges that he doesn’t have, so to take advantage of those opportunities of being born as an American citizen. In todays world, the American Dream… sounds unreal. With all that’s happening in the world in Congo, Palestine, ICE Raids, and even being black in the street while the boys in blue roll by is a scary situation. The way I was raised being a black latin woman and learning how to move in a society where I cant safely and comfortably exist sometimes doesn’t deter me from taking up space as I should and work just as hard as my dad and the men in my family have shown me. And I thank them.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
A fear that’s held me back and sometimes still creeps up on me from time to time is embarrassment. Sometimes I still fight the thoughts of, “Man, I’m going to look so stupid if I do this.” Or, “I’ve never done this before, I need to practice before I show up in a space with others.” Maybe it stems from not having someone speak life into me during my adolescent years and being judged more than having someone with open arms accept me.
I don’t like using that as an excuse though. I’m slowly doing things scared, because I hate the feeling of regret and thinking I should’ve done something and that the moment has already passed.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Is the public version of you the real you…. I don’t know. Sometimes people have this perception of you and I get surprised when people tell me their thoughts or re-living our interactions and tell me how they perceived me and I always get surprised when they say they thought I was thing big’ol social butterfly and really outgoing. When I feel like I am the complete opposite. I go off of energy, I think I do best on 1-2 people hang outs cause its easier to distribute my energy better. Maybe sometimes I overthink and playing scenarios in my head to be prepared for a conversation…. I may just be thinking too much. But, people are different people for different people.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Every single job I’ve had has been this exact feeling. Before the job that I currently have now, I was in the customer service and hospitality business. I was a server is the family diner, and the worst experience I’ve ever had. But I remember interviewing and feeling so lucky that the interview was so chill and nice and feeling like it was a blessing to have it. But something was off when I was a year in and still being “hazed” by the other employers double my age. But hey, the things we need to do to survive. Definitely was a time that pushed me to my limit and remind myself for the goal in mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dotsartwork.com
- Instagram: creatorthreedot
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@creatorthreedot
Image Credits
Some images are done by Darryl Keith
instagram: thisisdarrylkeith
website: thisisdarrylkeith.com
