Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine.
Hi Katherine, would you mind sharing a bit about yourself and your journey? We’d love to hear how it all began and the key moments that have shaped where you are today.
My name is Katherine Bahena-Benitez. I am a multidisciplinary artist. My journey has been anything but linear, but with every challenge, I’ve been able to get a step closer to where I’ve always dreamt of being.
My journey as an artist began with a deep passion for writing, which I discovered at a surprisingly young age. Writing was my way of expressing and reimaging what our world could look like. Acting, though, was something I did without knowing. Whether it was playing pretend with my sisters or memorizing lines from our favorite telenovelas, that initial spark of play and curiosity stayed with me even to this day. I like to believe the arts found me at a young age in order to protect my inner child and allow me to continue dreaming of the impossible.
A few key moments have shaped my path. The first was coming to understand my journey as a first-generation child of Mexican immigrants. I had little guidance in navigating the career I wanted to pursue and, of course, I had moments of doubt, wondering if this was truly meant for me. But I’ll never forget what my mother told me when I shared that uncertainty with her in college, she replied with: “Todo en esta vida se logra con tiempo, paciencia y disciplina, y tú puedes hacerlo todo.” / “Everything in this life is accomplished with time, patience, and discipline—and you can do everything.” My mother’s words have always been my anchor in moments of uncertainty. I can’t thank her enough for reminding me that even the most impossible dreams can be accomplished.
Another defining moment was my move to New York. That transition taught me the value of perseverance and hard work in a new way. I began to understand, as well, the connection between my parents’ story of migration and my own. In this life, we all must make sacrifices to accomplish what’s calling us. I learned to remain open to the lessons of growth and truth. New shifts help us evolve in surprising, necessary ways.
My experiences tested me, but also helped me define what I truly value in both my work and my life. I continue to build on what I learned and do my best to return to my beloved communities and share this wisdom and knowledge. In my artistic practice, I’m passionate about remembering my roots and telling the stories of the forgotten.
Are there any artists or creatives (past or present) who have had a significant impact on your work? In what ways have they influenced you?
There are so many artists—both past and present—who have shaped the way I see and approach my work. I’m especially inspired by artists who center the themes of community, identity, remembrance, and resilience in their storytelling.
The singer Selena Quintanilla was a great influence on me when I was growing up. Her presence, authenticity, and ability to move between worlds with grace and price left a lasting impression on me. She reminded me that staying connected to your roots is a source of strength, not limitation. I return to her music and performances when I need to feel grounded in joy, resilience, and cultural pride.
Filmmaker Aurora Guerrero also inspires me. Her storytelling taught me the power of subtlety and tenderness. Her film Mosquita y Mari helped me see how queer Latinx stories can live in softness and everyday moments and still carry immense emotional weight.
I’ve also been shaped by the work of playwrights like Josefina López and Quiara Alegría Hudes, who tell stories of Latinx experience with such heart, grit, and lyricism. They gave me permission to explore the beauty and complexity of my own roots in my writing and performance.
I’m constantly moved by the work of contemporary creators—especially women and queer artists of color—who are reimagining what storytelling can look and feel like. Their bravery and innovation remind me that art doesn’t have to fit into boxes; it can expand, resist, and heal. Isn’t that beautiful?
How do you think your art has evolved over time? What have you learned about yourself through your creative work?
My art has definitely evolved alongside me. It’s grown as I’ve grown, deepened as I’ve come to understand myself and my place in the world more clearly. When I first started creating, I was mostly focused on learning technique, finding confidence, and simply giving myself permission to take up space as an artist. Over time, my work has become more intentional, more rooted in my personal truth. Now I allow myself to take up space.
I’ve learned that my voice matters, especially when I use it to center stories that often go unheard. I’ve become more fearless in exploring themes like identity, migration, and queerness—not just as abstract ideas, but as lived experiences that shape how I view and move through the world.
Through my creative work, I’ve also learned to trust myself more—to trust that my instincts, my curiosity, and my questions are enough to begin. And I’ve learned that art can be a place of healing and connection—not just for me, but for others, too.
Of course, I am still a student of all my practices. For sure, I’m not done learning and evolving as an artist, and I’m grateful for that. I hope to be a student of life for the rest of my life.
We’re curious about your future aspirations! What are some of your artistic goals or dreams moving forward? And are there any exciting projects on the horizon that you’d like to share with us?
To continue challenging myself, exploring new mediums of storytelling, and collaborating with like-minded creatives who share a passion for pushing boundaries. I want to make work that not only entertains but sparks meaningful conversations about identity and the intersections of culture. I hope to create artistically diverse work that also serves as a platform for marginalized voices.
My work will expand into new territories—large-scale performance, photography, experimental film, and even genres I have yet to explore. I’d love to delve deeper into immersive theater and interactive digital media where audiences can engage with the art in a personal and more impactful way.
As for projects on the horizon, I’m thrilled to have the debut of my solo show JOTA in Sacramento, CA in partnership with Teatro Espejo and Fat Elephant Theatre. JOTA follows the story of a young queer Mexican Indigenous woman as she prepares to leave home and begin a journey of self-discovery. While packing, she encounters objects that connect her to her past, culture, and queerness—unfolding a story of resilience, cultural pride, and the power of carrying one’s history forward. The opening of JOTA is June 20th and will run until June 29th.
I’m also developing a short film, La Tierra de Sueños. It tells the story of a young girl who leaves her homeland to pursue her dreams—carrying not only her art, but the prayers of her ancestors. La Tierra de Sueños is a story of migration, adversity, resilience, and determination. Filming will begin later this summer, and we’re excited to share that we’re close to reaching our funding goal. Stay tuned to follow the journey—and if you’re moved by the story, consider helping us cross the finish line with a donation. To stay up to date, follow me on social media for updates and more.
In this article, in images 2 and 4, you are also previewing my short film, Curandera. When a young girl, descendant of curanderas, undergoes a much needed limpia, a new her is born. In the midst of her cleanse, much is revealed, much is released. This is a story of ancestral medicine, reclaiming and rebirth. May our ancestral sacred practices be remembered. More soon…
Ultimately, my goal is to keep evolving and never lose sight of my core purpose—telling stories that matter. Unapologetic, inclusive, deeply human stories that create space for healing, for connection, for imagining what’s possible.
How do you hope to be remembered in the creative world, and what legacy do you wish to leave behind?
When I think about how I hope to be remembered, it’s not about fame or accolades—it’s about the stories I’ve told and the impact I’ve had on others. I hope my work is remembered for creating space for voices that have too often been silenced or overlooked. I want my legacy to be one of unapologetic honesty and vulnerability, where I took risks to bring truth and complexity to the forefront, especially foregrounding issues people are often hesitant to address.
More than anything, I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams—especially those who, like me, come from backgrounds where such dreams often feel impossible. As the first in my family to embark on this path, I feel a deep responsibility to pave the way for others. Looking back, knowing what I know now, it’s almost unbelievable that I’ve made it this far. Statistically speaking, I shouldn’t be here. As a queer, Mexican, Indigenous, first-generation child of immigrant farm-working parents, growing up in poverty with no clear guidance through acting school, art or performance training, I faced countless obstacles. Yet somehow, by chance, I found my way. I want to leave a legacy of resilience and determination, encouraging people to pursue their dreams relentlessly. There is so much abundance in the world, and I hope anyone with a background like mine knows that they can achieve anything they set their heart on.
Que viva el arte siempre.
Contact Info:
- Website: @_imjstlivin
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Katherinebenitez
Image Credits
Instagram: @_imjstlivin
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Katherinebenitez
Photography by Lauren Bravo lalaurenbravo.com (images 1, 3, 5)
Creative Direction by: Katherine Bahena-Benitez, Photography by Aidanna Olmo @freckldfilm (images 2, 4)
