Meet Lauren Bencivengo | Interior Designer and Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Bencivengo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, why did you pursue a creative career?
I knew from a young age that I felt the most free and comfortable while doing creative tasks like painting, drawing, and even putting together presentation boards for class. So when I thought about my major for college, I knew I wanted to go into Fine Arts to be able to learn all about the different paths of a creative career. While every career still has its moments when it feels like a job, overall being in a creative career allows the opportunity for freedom, self expression and connection.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Even though I have been creating most of my life, I now feel like I am finally understanding myself, my style, and my voice more and more through my work. To me, my art is a place I escape too. The act of creating and painting alone brings a sense of purpose to me. Every day I am still working to where I want to be, there always seems to be a new challenge to face or let down to cope with, but that is all part of the creative journey. Along the way I have learned that there is only so much I can control, but it is important to take charge of what I can control and that includes, showing up for myself, keeping a positive mindset, and taking care of myself to be able to produce my best work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely start each day at one of my favorite brunch spots from Sugar and Scribe and Pannikin to Claire’s and the local French Bakery around the corner. Then each day would be visiting a favorite neighborhood or attraction. I love driving visitors through La Jolla Cove and showing them some of the historic homes to some of the ones with the best views on Mt. Soledad. Then making a day out of walking around Balboa Park and visiting the San Diego Zoo. And of course hitting up some of the local trails and walking paths to be able enjoy our beautiful weather and natural environment. And if we can end each day with Mexican Food – especially a California Burrito from Lolitas – then I would say that sounds like the perfect San Diego trip.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to every mentor I have been lucky enough to have along my journey – teachers, professors, and employers. Because of their dedication to seeing me succeed, I always felt supported and encouraged on my path. In addition, I learned the importance of mentorship and look forward to my chance to play a similar role to someone else.

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