I called this piece Here to Stay because it’s about love that feels steady and real. These two dogs have come to stay — you can see it in their eyes, in the calm way they sit together. Their connection is quiet but deep, like they already know they’re safe. I wanted to paint that moment of peace — when love no longer needs to be found, because it’s already there. Here to Stay is more than a painting; it’s about feeling at home. This series began after I watched a documentary about dog breeding. I saw how dogs were being shaped through mixing different breeds, and that gave me the idea to construct them with colors instead, painting each one in vibrant fragments, as if they were built brushstroke by brushstroke.

Sahar Manri

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Among all the fields I’ve explored, art is the only one that allows me to truly be myself. It’s where I can follow my heart without fear, experiment with new ideas, and find my identity through painting. Creating what I love every day feels like my soul’s mission on this planet. Art enables me to leave something behind—something that brings joy to homes and lasts forever. This realization came to me after a major life change: my immigration. It was a challenging experience that forced me to be apart from my dog and family, yet it brought me closer to my true self. From childhood, I loved drawing, though my passion for animals once led me to dream of becoming a veterinarian. However, I realized over time that my sensitivity to their suffering wasn’t suited for that path. Instead, I began to paint animals—always happy, colorful, and full of life. My love for animals and nature naturally flowed into my vibrant and lively depictions, capturing their energy on canvas. I embarked on an adventure to discover myself, exploring many fields before returning to art, my true calling. For me, art goes beyond reality—I want my viewers to feel something, to experience the creativity flowing through my paintings. I draw inspiration from nature, especially animals, but I love taking them beyond realism, depicting them in abstract shapes and colorful clothes, influenced by my love for fabric and vibrant colors. Now, as a Toronto-based artist, my work is a celebration of the beauty and joy animals bring into our lives. It’s a continuation of my childhood dream, seeing animals always vibrant and alive. My academic background in environmental planning also plays a role in my work, merging my love for nature and art in seamless harmony. Today, I dedicate my life fully to art, finding joy and purpose in every piece I create. Sahar Manri is a Toronto-based artist whose vivid, colorful paintings reflect her deep passion for animals and nature. With a background in graphic design, art, and environmental planning, Sahar blends her love for nature into her art, creating vibrant depictions of animals in geometric forms. After moving to Canada, she transitioned fully into the world of art and has been following her passion ever since.