We recently had the chance to connect with Tina Cruz and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Tina, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are sacred. Before I even get out of bed, I thank God for another day and all the blessings in my life. I pray for guidance and protection, and I practice forgiveness — it sets the tone for how I want to move through the world. I read scripture using the YouVersion app, and right now I’m in Acts. Paul’s journey has been especially inspiring to me — the way he faced opposition, yet kept spreading his message, and how worship even in prison brought freedom. It reminds me that faith and persistence can change the atmosphere around us.
After reading, I take time just to sit in God’s presence and reflect, and then I make breakfast while listening to worship music. That’s my reset each day. For the past six months, this rhythm has brought me peace and clarity. It’s also where my creativity begins. The same way Paul carried his message into new places, I feel called to carry my creativity into new spaces — whether it’s through painting, photography, or creating in VR. My mornings keep me grounded, inspired, and ready to pour that energy into my art.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tina Cruz, and I’m an Immersive Artist exploring the space where traditional art meets technology. I create what I call ‘Immersive Paintings’ — artworks that go beyond the canvas and allow viewers to step inside and experience the painting as an interactive world. Using virtual reality and game engines like Unity, I design environments where people can walk through the painting, interact with objects, and truly feel part of the work.
Most recently, I was honored to have my piece Let Them Stay included in an Art Seen takeover in New York City during Armory Show weekend, where selected artists’ work was displayed across city screens. Although I couldn’t be there in person, I was fortunate to work with NYC photographer Ben Garves, who beautifully captured the moment for me. His photos helped me experience and share that milestone in a really meaningful way.
What makes my work unique is this vision of bridging the gap between traditional painting and immersive technology. I believe VR isn’t just for gaming — it’s also a new canvas for artists. My goal is to expand what painting can be, opening doors for artists to bring their visions into three-dimensional, interactive spaces.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
This year, I released the part of me that was chained by fear and anxiety about the future. I was forced to slow down and truly take care of myself, and by the grace of God, I kept pushing for answers. With one simple prayer, God worked through doctors to help heal me. That journey felt like going through the fire — but in the process, so much was shed. My faith grew deeper than ever, and I no longer carry the belief that I am unworthy. Instead, I now live from a place of peace, forgiveness, and love. Knowing that I already have victory through Jesus has freed me in so many ways. Life is good, and God is so good.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain and started using it as power when I began creating art. Through art, I began a healing journey and discovered my calling. I see art as a form of encouragement and connection — it resonates deeply, reflecting emotions and presence. Art can speak to others without words, expressing complex emotions and experiences without uttering a single syllable. That alone is powerful, but combining image with text takes it even further, creating a language that reaches hearts in ways words alone cannot.
Creating art in VR takes this power to another level. I remember putting on a VR headset for the first time — I literally fell to my knees and was overcome with emotion. In that moment, I could see the future of art. I realized that art was always meant to be immersive, surrounding and encompassing the viewer, going beyond the canvas, tearing it open, and expanding into another world. That’s why I call my work ‘Immersive Paintings’ — I truly believe this is the future of art.
For me, this transformation began in 2017 when I started my undergraduate studies to become an artist. That’s when I was able to quit drinking and smoking, and God healed me from past struggles with addiction. Art became a natural way for me to express myself and reclaim my power, and it continues to be my path of healing, faith, and connection.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what really matters to me is faith, creativity, connection, and choosing joy. They know how much I pour my heart into my art and how important it is for me to inspire and encourage others through my work. They’ve seen me spend hours bringing ‘Immersive Paintings’ to life in VR, and they know that my faith guides me through every challenge and keeps me grounded. I make it a point to focus on the good, to bring positivity into every situation, and to be grateful for all that I have — choosing joy over and over again is central to who I am. At the end of the day, my friends would say I value honesty, meaningful relationships, and using my gifts to make a positive impact in the world.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m definitely doing what I was born to do. I remember being in elementary school, painting in class. Everyone else was creating the teacher-assigned house with grass, clouds, and a sun in the corner — but I had other ideas. I looked at the colors green, yellow, brown, white, and black, and began painting what my heart desired. I swirled and twirled my brush, creating something abstract, and to me, it was beautiful. I think I was inspired by a Jackson Pollock painting I had seen in a library book.
When I proudly showed my work to the teacher, she scolded me and crumpled up my painting, throwing it away. I didn’t understand why. My friend Allen told me to just copy the assignment so I wouldn’t get in trouble, and I did — a house, grass, clouds, and the sun. After that, I didn’t take art seriously for over 20 years.
I eventually found my way back to art, and I often think about that moment. I wonder what would have happened if that teacher had met my creativity with joy and encouragement instead. It reminds me of how important it is to show up for others with love, peace, and positivity, and it’s part of why I choose to create art that inspires and uplifts others today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tinacruzart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinacruzart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinacruzart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinacruzartist
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tinacruzart
- Other: https://linktr.ee/tinacruzart
Image Credits
Ben Graves, NYC Photographer, 2025. Tina Cruz, Immersive Artist, Digital Artist & Photographer, 2025.
