Photo by David + Katie

kolesarslavka@gmail.com

Slavka lives among the mountains of eastern BC in Canada, where she works at a weather station and paints during the long winters. Her illustrations marry her background in visual art with her love of the book format, combining personal and commissioned projects.

She studied figurative painting at the Toronto Academy of Realist Art and she holds a BFA in visual studies and art history from the University of Toronto. She also studied ancient Indian art & history at the Viswa Bharati University in Santiniketan, India.

Her illustrations have been recognized by the Governor Generals Literary Awards and the Manitoba Book Awards.

publications

My Promise by Jillian Roberts. Orca Book Publishers, 2022

The Sun is a Shine by Leslie A. Davidson. Orca Book Publishers, 2021

The Promise Basket by Bill Richardson. Groundwood Books, 2019

Ulysse by Suzanne De Serres. Planète Rebelle, 2018

La Légende de Carcajou by Renée Robitaille. Planète Rebelle, 2017

Le Nom de l'Arbre by Stéphanie Bénéteau. Planète Rebelle, 2015

Caracol by Maricarmen Mendoza. Nostra Ediciones,Mexico, 2008

selected clients

The United Nations Postal Administration

Groundwood Books

Orca Book Publishers

Éditions Planète Rebelle

The Toronto & Ottawa Public Libraries

Le Festival Interculturel du Conte de Montréal

Le Regroupememt du Conte au QC

accolades

Manitoba Book Awards, McNally Robinson Book for Young People 2020 (The Promise Basket)

Governor General’s Literary Award 2017 Finalist (La Légende de Carcajou)

3x3 Picture Book Show Silver in Published Books 2017 (Le Nom de l'Arbre)

exhibitions

2011 | 20in11, Woodward Gallery, NY

2010 | Although Changed I Rise Again the Same, Fernie Arts Station, BC

2006 | Seeds, United Nations Headquarters, NY

2004 | First Light, United Nations Headquarters, NY