We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Belen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Belen, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Honestly, it probably started as a shy kid curled up in a corner with my grandpa’s old Western comics, fascinated by the illustrations even before I could actually read them. Thanks to my grandma and her endless storytelling, and my aunt teaching me to read, I quickly found myself diving into books, imagining worlds that I desperately wanted to bring to life visually. My parents noticed this spark and likely thought something along the lines of “Let us give her some guidance before she starts painting on the walls.” They connected me with my sculptor grandad, fostering my early connection to visual storytelling. I did not realize it at the time, but this set a path I would follow.

As I grew older, this early passion evolved into a deeper curiosity about art and creativity. I remember announcing to my worried parents that I wanted to be an Artist, a statement that understandably caused some concern. They gently nudged me toward studying Architecture, believing it to be a safer career choice. While Architecture provided structure and discipline, it also left me longing for more freedom in my creative expression. I could not shake the persistent idea of becoming an Artist getting to create with my hands.

After only two semesters into my Architecture studies, I secretly enrolled in a Visual Arts major. This decision marked a significant turning point for me, as it opened an entirely new creative universe. In Visual Arts, I was exposed to numerous techniques, mediums, and creative approaches, fueling my excitement and passion for visual storytelling. From traditional methods like drawing and sculpting to exploring performance and conceptual art, every new skill I acquired seemed to deepen my commitment to an artistic career.

Reflecting now, it is clear that the shy kid who spent countless hours imagining stories had set the foundation for the creative I am today. That early moment of reading Western comics and listening to family stories marked me, It quietly ignited my creative journey and shaped my professional path.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a Real-Time 3D Artist and Worldbuilder originally from Ecuador and currently based in Los Angeles. Growing up in Latin America, I was deeply influenced by Magic Realism, where everyday life meets the fantastical. For me, Magic Realism transcend the pages of novels of writers like Gabriel García Marquez. I believe it is deeply rooted in our culture and glimpses of that can be seen in the way people live, talk, express, create or maybe even dream. This cultural backdrop strongly impacted my perception of reality and greatly influenced my creative journey. I think that might be the reason why I always thought that I needed to learn more and more media so I could have all the possible tools to capture that beautiful and chaotic reality.

I did not have a linear creative path. From traditional hand-drawn illustrations and sculpting to architectural design, I explored numerous creative paths before discovering the powerful medium of 3D digital art. Today, I specialize in creating immersive, narrative-driven environments by blending reality with fantasy using tools like Unreal Engine. My work is distinct because it shows that love of capturing an expanded reality. It combines storytelling with visual artistry, letting my aesthetic capture the eye of viewers. An aesthetic voice that draws inspiration from notable Latin American artists such as Remedios Varo, as well as internationally acclaimed artists like James Turrell and Barbara Kruger. These influences are evident in my projects, where I strive to evoke emotion.

One of the aspects that sets my work apart is this deep-rooted narrative approach. I view myself primarily as a storyteller who uses visual mediums to communicate ideas, emotions, and cultural insights. My projects aim to bridge traditional storytelling with contemporary technologies, producing experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. By blending my cultural heritage and diverse artistic influences, I create works that are both visually compelling and emotionally impactful.

I am proud of that aesthetic sense that has been nurtured for years by people and work that show where I come from and who I am. And I am even prouder of it, when I notice the genuine connection people experience when interacting with a work I had the honor to participate in or create by myself. My work is designed to be more than just visually appealing. It is crafted to engage viewers on multiple levels, drawing them into rich, imaginative worlds that encourage exploration and introspection.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most significant pivots in my life occurred when I moved from Ecuador to Los Angeles. Prior to this, my creative practice mainly involved physical mediums like drawing, painting, printmaking, installations, and sculpture. These traditional forms were tactile and tangible, allowing me direct interaction with my materials. The closest I was to digital media was a bit of Photoshop, Illustrator, and some Architecture software that I did not want to use after university. However, relocating to Los Angeles introduced me to a new, digital creative landscape. And that was not easy for me, since it initially caused some apprehension about how well my existing skills would transfer.

At first, working digitally felt foreign and limiting. I questioned whether I could adequately translate the creative voice I had developed through analog media into a digital space. However, I soon realized that digital tools, particularly 3D software like Unreal Engine, significantly enhanced my capabilities. Rather than constraining my creativity, these new tools expanded it, allowing me to explore ideas and narratives in ways previously unimaginable. The shift to digital art meant that I could quickly iterate and experiment, creating more intricate and ambitious projects.

Embracing digital technology represented a major turning point. It not only allowed me to leverage my background in traditional arts but also broadened the scope of my storytelling capabilities. The integration of these digital techniques with my existing skills transformed my approach to visual storytelling and unlocked a world of creative possibilities, reshaping my career trajectory.

Looking back, that was one of the best decisions I made in my life since it became one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences. It demonstrated the importance of adaptability and openness to new methodologies, ultimately nurturing my creative practice and professional development.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the sense of fulfillment and joy that creativity brings. Each day is an opportunity to explore new ideas, experiment with light, color, and emerging technologies. Yes, sometimes it can be not so joyful, and maybe even a bit frustrating; but I cherish those moments too as part of the experience of creating. I think that engaging deeply in creative processes, even the not so funny parts of it, brings immense personal satisfaction, as each project presents unique challenges and opportunities to grow.

Moreover, creating something meaningful that resonates with others amplifies this sense of reward exponentially. Knowing that my work can evoke genuine emotional responses, provoke reflection, or simply cause curiosity and maybe a smile is incredibly fulfilling. Witnessing people interact with and immerse themselves in the worlds I create or have helped to create reinforces my passion for art and storytelling.

Furthermore, I believe that creativity also encourages me to maintain an attentive connection with the world around me. It compels me to observe closely, understand deeply, and empathize with diverse experiences and perspectives. This awareness not only enhances my artistic expression but also enriches my personal understanding of people and society. That grants me the opportunity to continuously learn, create, and connect with others. And that just affirms my decision to pursue a creative path and continually motivates me to push my artistic boundaries further.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://belenbenavides.cargo.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mabe.benavides/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ belen-benavides-alvarado

Image Credits

Pierre Huyghe
Lab Inc
John Summit
Blaze Gonzalez
Jacob Walker