Lauren Arena graduated from St. John Fisher University in 2025. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northeastern University. She hopes to be a crime analyst.
Poetry
Art
Cover- Bodies, Bodies, Bodies
Art #13
Featured Artist- revolution of identity
Art #4
Art #7
Prose- Echoes of a Pandemic
Art #9
INTERVIEW w/ LAUREN ARENA
by Sophia King
SK: What inspires you most as an artist?
LA: I’m most inspired by art that makes me think or even become uncomfortable with the themes associated with it. I really resonate with complex ideas and works that combine social issues and the use of the human body. As a woman, I have my own self issue with my body, so seeing different perspectives about the body it really inspires my work.
SK: What common themes do you often express in your work?
LA: I really look at a lot of themes or whatever just gives me inspiration. Most commonly though, bodies and serious social events are the largest themes I try to express in my work.
SK: What do you hope viewers take away from your work?
LA: I just want people to find a piece that they can resonate with or at least tell someone that they saw something really interesting. I want conversations to occur that people may never have had.
SK:What is something you are genuinely passionate about, and does that passion reflect in your art?
LA: I am passionate about social issues. My generation has been apart of so many major life events, I think we can be the voice in sharing our stories with others and show how even young generations can be affected by the events and choices. I would like my work to be the start of conversations about specific topics that many may not be comfortable with talking about.
SK: ”What advice would you give to aspiring artists?
LA: Find a media that inspires you. I didn’t realize until really getting into collaging that it was my favorite form of media. Once you find it, use it as a way to find some break within your day. Just keep with it and learn about different styles that resonate with you and have fun at the end of the day. For me art is an escape from being a college student who doesn’t get to be creative.