Sophia Zielinski

Sophia Zielinski is a community artist and children's illustrator from Fremantle in Western Australia. She has exhibited in drawing, collage, costume, sculpture and jewellery. Her most well-known piece is made of aluminum and stands 6 m high near the freeway in South Lake. Sophia studied creative writing and fine art at Curtin University. In 2005 Sophia began teaching creative workshops and appearing has guest illustrator both privately and in schools and now has a strong passion for community arts.

In 2006 Sophia illustrated a book called The Shy Marla by Lilliana Stafford and found another passion. The Shy Marla is an indigenous story of great importance to the Warlpirri people who live in the Tanami Desert of Central Australia. Sophia traveled to the Tanami to gain permission for the book from the Warlpirri elders. While she was there she made many friends and had many funny adventures.

Her work is known for its attention to detail and humor. The Shy Marla is in pastel but Sophia works in many mediums. Her favorite is collage. Her collage work has been described as 'whimsical' and 'charming.' Sophia is currently collaborating with other authors and writing her own material. She thoroughly enjoys sharing the writing and illustration process with both children and adults.

Sophia loves wild places, creating art and having fantastic adventures in the process.