In a city where no two houses or artists are exactly alike, Tamar Taylor and her three-dimensional art pieces embody the uniqueness and spirit of the city that inspires them. The funky, fun-colored designs are handcrafted and hand-painted in Tamar's own creative interpretation of the essence of New Orleans' structural design.

"I just can't tell you how much I love the architecture of New Orleans," said artist Tamar Taylor. "That was one of the reasons we moved here. And the thing that I love is that it is ubiquitous. There are beautiful little houses all over every neighborhood."

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Tamar enjoys creating her three-dimensional sculpture art, and throughout her artistic journey has been inspired by everything from beloved animals to New Orleans art and architecture.

Through her creative process, Tamar first creates a reverse mold of her design made out of rubber. She then makes the plaques individually by pouring plaster into the rubber mold, and then hand-paints each plaster-casted work to give each piece that unique NOLA flavor.

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Like most other New Orleanians, Tamar experienced tremendous losses as a result of Hurricane Katrina. But as an artist, Tamar was able to transform that loss into an opportunity to both focus and expand her business.

"I just salvaged the architectural pieces, like all the little houses, and I basically walked away from all these other products that were kind of convoluting the whole business," said Tamar. "The houses were what was really popular at that time, so I just streamlined the business. And it really took off since Katrina."

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Salvaging a successful business as an artist from the devastation of a regional national disaster, Tamar's story represents the resilient spirit of New Orleans. This spirit of rebuilding and renewal continues to fuel both the structures and the artistry of the city upon which these architectural constructions are built. 

The backstories of Tamar Taylor's artistic journey and of Little Miss Muffin also become interwoven at this point in the city's history. New Orleanians were scattered across the country, some to return and rebuild, others to have relocated temporarily or permanently.

Many sought some tangible reminder of the homes and of the spirit of New Orleans that they had been separated from in a time of collective upheaval. Tamar's art and other creations from artists and vendors working with Little Miss Muffin became treasured commodities as New Orleanians rebuilt their lives, wherever they were in the world.

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"I think it's so important to share with aspiring artists that this life is something that really is accessible," said Tamar. "My brain is always going to, 'What is a product?' Something that you can sell consistently, and then that becomes an economy, a salary. And I think there are a lot of people who are intimidated by that."

"But once you start thinking that way, a career as an artist really is something that's accessible."

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