My path into art began with a sketchbook that never quite closed...
Where it all began
I was born in Sydney, Australia, in 2010. My early years were filled with vegemite toast, encounters with koalas and kangaroos at the local zoo, playing in the sand at Manly Beach, and living the Aussie life.
On my second birthday, my parents gifted me an art easel, which was bright pink with chunky purple legs. It was on this easel is where my love for art first sparked.
Since then, I have been painting, doodling, and experimenting with different mediums. Looking back, it's remarkable to think that one pink easel would end up starting a passion that's still a huge part of my life today!
Growing up in Asia
When I was three, my family and I moved to the tiny red dot of Singapore. It was there that my love for art truly began to grow. More often than not, you could find me tucked away in my room painting, sketching, or coloring, happily filling page after page with whatever I could imagine.
I loved experimenting with watercolor, acrylic paint, and colored pencils. At the time, I wasn't focused on mastering just one medium, I wanted to try everything. The vibrant cultures of Singapore inspired me to explore my creativity and grow into the artist I was becoming.
Inspiring creativity in others
In Singapore, living in a large condominium was the norm, and I loved the close-knit community of families and kids around me. But I noticed something was missing. While most children spent their afternoons swimming, playing sports, or running around outside, there were few opportunities for them to simply sit down and create.
That's where Sania's Art Classes began.
For a year, I taught children between the ages of 4 and 13 how to paint, draw, and express themselves through art. What started as a way to share something I loved quickly became much more than that. I learned how to communicate with parents, design engaging lesson plans, adapt to different learning styles, and create an environment where every child felt encouraged to explore their creativity.
Current chapter
In the summer of 2024, my family and I made the leap to California's Bay Area. Leaving behind the world I knew was scary, but looking back, I'm grateful we took that chance. Since then, I've attended an amazing school, built new friendships, learned more about myself, and gotten involved by serving on my city's Youth Council. Still, as 2026 approached, something felt missing. When we first moved, I noticed American neighborhoods lacked the close-knit community feeling I grew up with. I missed that sense of connection, and it left me asking: How can I help bring young people together? By combining my love for art, my teaching experience, and my passion for community building, I created Sania's Studio, a creative space to showcase my artwork, host workshops, and create custom pieces that bring people's stories to life.
