My name is Denise Mariam Narugano, and I’m a Canadian-Congolese artist and childhood educator.
I grew up in Quebec, Canada, and later moved to Ontario. From a young age, I was drawn to creativity and connection—whether it was through playing sports, being surrounded by children, writing stories, or sketching out my imagination on paper.

Art has always been more than just a hobby for me—it’s been a refuge, a form of self-expression, and a way to tell the stories that live in my heart. Whether it's through drawing, painting, photography, theatre, or film, art allows me to give voice to the ideas and emotions that words alone can’t fully capture.

My journey began by tracing Disney princesses and inventing characters for the endless stories I dreamed up. What started as playful curiosity quickly grew into a deep passion. I pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts, eager to expand my skills and deepen my understanding of art in all its forms.

For a long time, I never imagined I could make a living through art. It wasn’t until after university, while painting and drawing just for fun, that I began accepting commissions from friends and family. Even then, I hesitated to share my work publicly—unsure, like many artists, if the world would embrace it.

This moment is a turning point for me—a leap of faith. I’m finally choosing to step out of my comfort zone and share my art with the world.