Hi, I’m Aranie.
Artist, Archivist, & Maker
I’ve always believed that art isn’t just something you hang on a wall to fill empty space—it’s a way to look inward, connect with where we come from, and find a little bit of quiet in a noisy world.
Based in the Greater Toronto Area, my practice at Paduka Arts Studio is where my love for hands-on making, deep storytelling, and historical preservation all come together. Whether I am building a tactile plaster installation, helping a family preserve their legacy through documentary film, or hosting a creative wellness workshop, the goal is always the same: to make space for reflection and genuine connection.
My Philosophy: Layering Intentions
I have always been deeply drawn to the concept of the Divine Feminine—not as an abstract theory, but as a real, nurturing, and vital force that runs through all of us. In my art, I explore this energy by focusing on feminine archetypes and their relationship with the natural world.
When I’m working on a piece, I don’t just paint a subject; I layer memories, textures, and quiet intentions onto the canvas. I want my work to feel alive and physical, inviting you to touch the surfaces, feel their weight, and engage with them emotionally.
The Process: “What doesn’t belong, belongs.”
Sustainability is the actual heartbeat of my studio. I work under the personal belief that “what doesn’t belong, belongs.” I have just yet to discover its story and learn to piece it together—the process will lead me there eventually.
I love finding beauty in things that have been discarded or forgotten, giving them a second life and a permanent, beautiful purpose embedded in ways that their origin would never be questioned. Belonging to itself always.
Beyond the Studio
When I’m not holding a paint spatula or a camera, I’m usually still building something. I am a creative writer working on magical realism screenplays, and I find an immense amount of grounding in heavy, physical DIY projects—whether it is plaster, stone, wood, textiles, metal, or any material I’ve yet to play with.
To me, shaping a piece of raw timber is just another form of storytelling. Whether I’m executing an outdoor build, writing, or layering oil pastels onto a reclaimed frame, it’s all part of the same practice: slowing down, managing my energy intentionally, and sharing the beautifully messy, magical process of finding yourself along the way.