Turning Blank Walls into Living Poetry
At CiiN Magazine, we’re always drawn to stories where art and soul meet—and few embody that fusion as powerfully as Manar, the visionary artist behind Aiyana’s Loft. Known for transforming blank walls into deeply emotive murals, Manar weaves memory, femininity, and storytelling into every brushstroke. Her journey is anything but conventional: from dentistry to teaching, and finally to full-time artistry, each chapter of her life has added texture to her creative voice. Aiyana’s Loft is more than just a studio—it’s a sanctuary of emotion and design, where spaces become living narratives. In this exclusive interview, Manar opens up about her creative process, the emotional core of her work, and how intuition guides her brush. Her story is a reminder that art isn’t just seen—it’s felt. Join us as we step inside her world, where walls speak and creativity heals.
Please introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi, I’m the artist behind Aiyana’s Loft—a space where murals, memories, and interiors meet. I started out in a completely different world but found my calling in creating soulful, story-driven art that transforms spaces and emotions alike.
Tell us about your education.
My background is surprisingly diverse. I studied dentistry, worked as a kindergarten teacher, and eventually transitioned into full-time art. Every chapter taught me something vital about people, patience, and creativity.
When did you first realize you were an artist, and how did that identity evolve?
I think I always was one, deep down. But I truly claimed the title when people started connecting with my work in unexpected, emotional ways. From doodling to large-scale murals, that journey has been layered with growth, risk, and self-discovery.
What does the creative process look like for you, from idea to finished piece?
It usually starts with a feeling or a space that calls for transformation. I sketch a lot, visualize endlessly, and trust my instinct. Sometimes it’s quick and fluid, other times it unfolds slowly like a conversation with the wall. I like to create a story in most of my murals.
How would you describe your artistic style in three words?
Bold, authentic, and dreamy.
What emotions or themes are you most drawn to exploring in your work?
Nostalgia, boldness, femininity, and stillness. I love making people feel something when they walk into a space I’ve touched.
How did Aiyana’s Loft become the platform for your artistic expression?
It began as a personal outlet—a loft space where I could explore freely. It evolved into a brand when people started reaching out for murals, then spaces. It’s now my way of connecting art with interiors and real, lived-in beauty.
What mediums do you work with most, and why do they resonate with you?
Mainly paint—on walls, canvas, furniture, you name it. I love how immediate and expressive it is. Recently, I’ve been working more with interiors too, merging aesthetic choices with emotional intention.
Do you think your art is a reflection of your inner world or your environment?
A bit of both. My inner world shapes the emotion, but the environment tells me how to shape the narrative.
What role does intuition play in your creative decisions?
A huge one. I listen to what the space needs, what the mood calls for. Sometimes the brush knows before I do.
Where do you draw the most inspiration—from nature, people, memory, or something else?
Memories and spaces—especially forgotten or overlooked ones. Also, music. Certain songs completely change how I paint. I love painting nature, people, and abstract art.
How has your cultural background influenced your artistic voice?
Deeply. There’s a quiet richness in our heritage and details—whether it’s colors, textures, or the poetry in everyday life. That seeps into my work even when I’m not aware of it.
What piece of art has challenged you the most emotionally or technically?
All my murals are quite challenging because they start with a thought and evolve into something larger. I like to work in different styles and ideas—that’s what keeps it interesting.
Can you describe a moment where art helped you process or heal something personal?
Art has been my silent therapist through career changes, grief, and self-doubt. It defines me and my character.
Do you ever revisit or revise your past pieces, or do you let them stand as they are?
I usually let them be. They represent who I was at that moment. Growth doesn’t require erasure. I can also tell that, over time, I’ve become better and more skilled.
Has your art evolved over time, or do you feel it’s remained rooted in a particular essence?
It’s evolved a lot, I must say, but the essence has always been about creating warmth and emotion through spaces. There’s always meaning behind every art piece I’ve ever done.
How do you know when a piece is truly finished?
When it stops asking questions—and looks like it’s printed. When I feel calm looking at it.
Are there any rituals, music, or routines that help you enter a creative flow?
Music, always. A tidy space. Red Bull to kick in. And sometimes… just diving in messy and figuring it out on the wall.
What’s your most personal or vulnerable work, and what inspired it?
Probably the first mural I did after quitting my job. It was a big risk—showing that I had to trust my instinct and follow my dream.
How do you handle creative blocks or self-doubt?
I walk away. I live a little. Then I come back. Usually, inspiration returns when I stop forcing it.
Your message for us at CiiN Magazine.
Thank you for spotlighting stories like mine. Artists need spaces like this to share what’s behind the brush.
