Meet Maite Benito Agahnia | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maite Benito Agahnia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maite, what role has risk played in your life or career?

For me, believing in yourself is one of the biggest risks you can take, especially as an artist. There’s no clear roadmap, no guarantees. You have to trust your vision, your instincts, and your ability to figure things out as you go. I take creative risks every time I enter the studio. I don’t stick to one style or medium I constantly explore new materials and combinations. Mixing media, breaking my own patterns, and letting go of formulas that “work” keeps my practice alive, but it also means stepping into the unknown. As soon as I solve something visually or create a sense of harmony in my work, I feel the need to move on and push myself again. It’s risky to leave behind something familiar, but for me, that’s where the growth is. Without risk, there’s no evolution and evolution is at the heart of everything I do.

One of my favorite aspects of being an artist is doing commissions. They come with their own set of risks: finding the balance between a client’s vision and my own creative voice requires trust, flexibility, and intuition. But I love that collaborative energy, and the challenge of creating something deeply personal that still feels authentic to my process.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others.
My art is rooted in transformation and constant evolution. What sets my work apart is my drive to push boundaries both in process and materials. I’m always exploring, mixing different media to create hybrid combinations that lead to unexpected results. Whether it’s painting, printmaking, photography, or encaustic, each piece becomes a unique experiment, driven by curiosity and intuition. I see every work as an opportunity to challenge what I know and discover new avenues of expression.

What are you most proud of or excited about?

A project that stands out for me is the commission for Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa in which I completed 70 large-scale original paintings in just 10 weeks. Working under such a tight deadline was intense, at times overwhelming, but deeply rewarding. The experience stretched my limits and left me with a lasting sense of confidence in what’s possible when you fully commit to the work.

How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been a straight path. I always dreamed of being a painter, but back in the 1980s, that wasn’t considered a sustainable career. I earned a degree in Fine Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design and worked professionally in that field eventually opening my own Design Studio. Over time, especially as my children grew older, I transitioned back to painting full-time. It’s taken persistence, adaptability, and a lot of trust in myself.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to stay humble and open. I don’t have all the answers and I don’t need to. I’ve grown and continue to grow thanks to the generosity and camaraderie of other artists. I believe in sharing what I know and being grateful when others do the same.

What do you want the world to know about you or your story?

What I want people to know is that my work is an invitation. While each piece holds meaning for me, I hope viewers find their own connection to it. My story is one of reinvention, lifelong curiosity, and the quiet power of staying true to what moves you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

If my best friend were visiting San Diego for a week, I wouldn’t plan an itinerary. I’d just let the days unfold the way they should here: with art, good food, ocean air, and the occasional surprise.

We’d definitely spend time in La Jolla. A morning hike at Torrey Pines is one of my favorite ways to start the day—the views are stunning, and there’s something grounding about walking those trails above the ocean. Afterward, we’d head to town and visit the Museum of Contemporary Art—the space, the art, and that view come together in the best way. For lunch, we might go to El Pescador, where the seafood is always fresh and unfussy, or try something a little more unexpected like Comedor Nishi, which has become one of my favorite spots for its bold, creative flavors.

Another day, we’d head to Barrio Logan. The murals in Chicano Park never fail to move me. There’s so much history and heart in that space. We’d wander into a gallery or two, maybe catch an artist working, and definitely stop at Hayes Burgers for a laid-back, totally satisfying bite. It’s the kind of place that feels honest and local, no frills, just good food.

In North Park, we’d explore little shops and check out local art. I’d make sure we stop by Verbatim Books, a cozy, offbeat bookstore with a great vibe. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time flipping through used books or zines by local writers. We’d grab coffee nearby, maybe stumble into a pop-up gallery or art walk.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I truly believe that no one creates alone; we’re all shaped by the people who support, challenge, and inspire us along the way. I’m especially grateful to the artists I’ve met throughout my journey. Their willingness to share ideas, offer honest feedback, and create a sense of community has been incredibly meaningful. That kind of camaraderie has helped me grow both personally and creatively.

I have been fortunate to have two mentors whose influence still resonates in my work. Lucila Santiago, who was my teacher when I was in my early teens. She introduced me to the power of creating and thinking abstractly, encouraging me to trust my imagination. And in my later years, Reed Cardwell reminded me to stay true to my art and hold on to my conviction, even in the face of outside expectations. Their guidance continues to shape how I show up in the studio.

I am especially grateful to my family. Their patience and unwavering encouragement particularly during the years I was balancing parenting, a career in graphic design, and my commitment to painting allowed me to remain connected to my creative path.

I am also deeply thankful to every client who has entrusted me with the opportunity to create something meaningful for them. That trust is both an honor and a responsibility, and it continues to inspire me to bring authenticity and dedication to each project.

Website: https://www.maiteagahnia.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maite.agahnia/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maite-agahnia-82b2107/

Image Credits
Dena Meeder / Photography

https://denameederportraits.com/