Soraya is a Canadian artist of Persian, Russian, and French ancestry. She was born and raised in Congo-Zaire, spent her teenage years in communist Laos, and later chose to raise her children in China. These diverse experiences have infused her life and art with a rich palette of colors and a deep appreciation for the natural processes that shape both the world and her creative journey.
Living with fibromyalgia and mourning her former self introduced contrast—shadow and light, and a pursuit of inner joy. Art became a sanctuary where she could transcend physical pain and reconnect with beauty in the midst of chaos. Flowers became Soraya’s subject because they bring joy, embody gentle resilience, and offer healing through their beauty.
Soraya often works on old or abandoned canvases, giving them new life. Her paintings emerge through layered imperfections, reflecting her belief in renewal and the power of transformation. Through this process, she “seeks to mirror the potential for growth and change within each of us.”
Visit Soraya’s website and Instagram site for more information.
Saanich Scattered Artists 